Six days after the death of a minor girl in Siliguri, police have arrested the prime accused, a private tutor identified as Amir Ali, from Chennai. Another individual, Samir Ali, was also taken into custody alongside him. Earlier, one person had already been arrested in connection with the case.
According to Deputy Police Commissioner Kazi Shamsuddin Ahmed, the incident occurred on March 23. “During investigation, we learned that Amir had fled to Chennai. A police team was immediately dispatched, and he was arrested and brought back. We will ensure that the accused receives the strictest possible punishment,” he said.
The case pertains to the alleged unnatural death of a minor girl in the Kulipara area of Ward No. 1 in Siliguri. Amir Ali, who was reportedly the girl’s private tutor, had been absconding since the incident, triggering widespread outrage in the locality. Protests erupted, including road blockades, as residents demanded swift action.
The incident has also sparked a political confrontation between the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the BJP.
TMC leader and Siliguri Mayor Goutam Deb criticised the opposition, stating, “The BJP has engaged in unnecessary politics over the minor’s death. The police were carrying out their duties diligently and have now arrested the prime accused.”
On the other hand, BJP MP Raju Bista thanked the police for their action but demanded the harshest punishment. “I thank the police for apprehending the accused. Now, I demand that the law sentence him to death by hanging,” he said. He also urged BJP MLA Shankar Ghosh to withdraw his ongoing protest and call off the bandh scheduled for Monday.
Ghosh, who had staged a sit-in demonstration following the incident, responded by alleging political bias in the delay of the arrest. “I thank the people of Siliguri for supporting us. I had paused my election campaign, but I will resume it now. The delay in arrest happened because of the accused’s political links,” he claimed.
Meanwhile, Goutam Deb reiterated that the administration had acted responsibly. “I personally spoke to the Police Commissioner and visited the victim’s family. We stood by them without politicizing the issue. The police have done commendable work by arresting the accused from outside the state,” he said. He also criticised the opposition for holding protests and accused them of engaging in activities that violated election norms.
Also read: Woman killed in front of daughter in South Kolkata; husband held
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