One more ration dealer dies in Bengal

Jhargram (West Midnapore), Nov 19: Yet another ration dealer was found hanging from the ceiling of his house near Jamboni police station under this sub-division of West Bengal early this morning.

West Midnapore SP R Rajashekharan today said deceased Radha Nath Giri was under police protection, following alleged threats by Maoists in the area to annihilate him unless he paid a fine for ''irregularities in distribution of ration''.

Local sources said there had been frequent allegations of irregularities in the distribution of ration articles from consumers in the area against Giri.

The Maoists had also asked him to pay free ration to the ration card holders for the next six months. A perturbed Giri ran to the police administration for help and was granted police protection as per his request.

Subsequently, it is learnt, he himself requested the police to withdraw the security vigil for some unknown reasons. Only a few days after the withdrawal, he was found hanging. However, he had, reportedly, transferred the license of the ration shop to his son Dipank Giri a few days back.

Police is still investigating the matter.

UNI