VHP bandh in Siliguri over rape-murder of schoolgirl has no effect

Kolkata (IANS). A 12-hour bandh called by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) against the recent rape-murder of a schoolgirl in West Bengal’s Siliguri district had no effect on Thursday.

In view of this heinous incident, protests were held in some parts of the city since morning and people were urged to observe the bandh.

However, there was no incident of forceful enforcement of the strike.

One person has already been arrested for the rape and murder of the schoolgirl. Siliguri Metropolitan Police Deputy Commissioner Abhishek Gupta has confirmed that the arrested accused has been identified as Mohammad Abbas (22), the prime accused in the crime.

The house of the accused was vandalized by the local people. Even the house of a neighbor who is said to be close to the family of the accused was ransacked.

Bharatiya Gorkha Prajatantrik Morcha (BGPM) and Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) chief executive Anit Thapa demanded early completion of the investigation process and severe punishment to the accused.

The accused has been booked under section 302 (murder) and various sections of the POCSO Act, 2012.

The local Trinamool Congress leadership has also condemned the heinous incident saying that an attempt has been made to communalise the crime.