New Delhi: West Bengal Police arrested two individuals on Thursday for allegedly threatening and harassing two youth from Bihar who were in Siliguri for an exam. The suspects, Rajat Bhattacharya and Giridhari Roy, are residents of Siliguri and are reportedly associated with Bangla Pokkho, a pro-Bengali advocacy group. A video of the incident has since gone viral on social media.
The footage shows a group of individuals entering the room where the students were staying and questioning them about their understanding of Bengali. When one of the youths responded that he did not understand the language, the assailants told them they should not be taking exams in other states. One student attempted to explain that they were assigned to the Siliguri exam center but was pressured to show identification.
Two suspects arrested, investigation under way
Biswachand Thakur, DCP of Siliguri Police, confirmed that the two suspects were arrested by Bagdogra police following a complaint. “Based on the complaint, the two individuals were taken into custody on Thursday evening for threatening and harassing the youths while posing as police officers. Further investigation is ongoing,” he said in a statement to ANI.
Union ministers Giriraj Singh and Chirag Paswan criticized the West Bengal government for the incident. In a post on X, Singh remarked, “Red carpet for Rohingya Muslims in Bengal while Bihari kids are beaten for taking exams? Are these children not part of India? Has the Mamata government only contracted to protect rapists?”
Giriraj Singh, Chirag Paswan question opposition
Paswan expressed concern over the silence of the opposition in Bihar. His post read: “The news of the brutal assault on Bihari students in West Bengal is both unfortunate and condemnable. The Chief Minister has once again insulted the Biharis, which is unacceptable. I want to ask Mamata Banerjee, is it a crime to take an exam in West Bengal? Will opposition leaders continue to remain silent?”
The LJP leader called on Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to take legal action against those responsible. “I ask the Leader of Opposition in Bihar, how can you support the Trinamool Congress after this? I urge Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to ensure a thorough investigation and legal action against the culprits,” he added.
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