Tamang murder case: GJMM protest escape of key accused

Darjeeling, Aug 23 (ANI): The Gorkha Janmukhti Morcha will begin an indefinite Darjeeling Hill shutdown over a demand for the return of Nicol Tamang, the prime accused in killing of Madan Tamang, the former president of the All India Gorkha League (AIGL) who escaped from police custody in Pintail village near Salbari in Darjeeling hills on Sunday.

He has been in CID custody for twelve days.

"We demand on behalf of the group, that within 24 hours the police must produce him (Nicol) in front of the public in the same condition as he was before his escape, otherwise, we will continue our protest. The group has already called for an indefinite strike from 1 pm today," said Harka Bahadur Chettri, the chief spokesperson of the GJM.

Lakshman Chettri, the General Secretary of the Akhil Bharatiya Gorkha League (ABGL), said that it was impossible for Nicol Tamang, as he is suffering from kidney disease and high blodd pressure, to flee from police.

"It is a conspiracy on the part of the government and it is the government which instructed the CID officials in Darjeeling to carry out the planned escape," said Chettri.

Police are keeping a round-the-clock vigil on vehicles passing along the highway in the hope of recapturing Nicol.

A sub-inspector and another policemen have been suspended for allowing Nicol 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)