GJM observes shutdown over escape of key accused in Tamang murder case

Darjeeling, Aug 23 (ANI): The Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) activists observed a shutdown here on Monday over the escape of Nicol Tamang, the prime accused in killing of Madan Tamang, the former president of the All India Gorkha League (AIGL).

The shops and offices here were closed down and people stayed indoors due to the strike in Darjeeling's Sukna region.

The GJM activists alleged that escape of Tamang was a conspiracy by the police and that they feared for their lives.

"The entire hilly region is observing the shutdown. The police have alleged that Nicole Tamang, our Central Committee member, has escaped from police custody. It seems that it is a conspiracy by police," said Anju Chettri, a member of the Central Committee of the GJM.

Nicole Tamang, who was in CID custody for 12 days for further investigations into the murder escaped from police custody in Pintail village near Salbari in Darjeeling hills on Sunday

Meanwhile, a sub-inspector and another policemen have been suspended for allowing Nicole Tamang to escape.

Nicole has been booked in three cases, the prime one being the Madan Tamang murder case under non-bailable sections including 302 (murder) and 120B (criminal conspiracy).

The other two other cases include vandalisation and destruction of property falling under the jurisdiction of the Darjeeling police station and the other of theft falling under the jurisdiction of the Jorebungalow Police Station.

Madan Tamang was killed on May 21 after being attacked by unknown miscreants before a rally in Darjeeling. (ANI)