Strike to protest suicidal death crippled Darjeeling

Darjeeling, Feb 26 (UNI) Life in Darjeeling town today came to a halt following the People's Democratic Front (PDF) sponsored 12-hour bandh to protest suicidal death of a tea worker and demand of the closed tea gardens in the hills.

Baburam Dewan yesterday allegedly committed suicide by hanging himself from the ceiling of a roof of Chongtong tea garden, one of the oldest tea estates which has been closed since January, 13 last.

PDF chairman president Madan Tamang said Baburam was distressed with the attitude of owner of the closed tea garden.

He also demanded the immediate re-opening of all the closed tea gardens.

District Magistrate of Darjeeling Aariz Aftab told UNI, ''I have received such news of death. We have to make a through investigation of the death of the worker.'' He also said he got the notes from West Bengal Urban Development and Municipal Affairs Minister Asok Bhattacharya for taking the matter of re-opening of the tea estate.

Mr Bhattacharya said he would meet the owner of the Chongtong tea garden and try to convince him about the re-opening, which has about 1252 workers.

UNI XC PC HS KN1906