Hawkers run amok at Bolpur station after death of colleague

The hawkers alleged that 30-year-old Tapan Das was beaten severely by an ASI of RPF at the station compound and thereafter made to sit in a dingy room without care for 15 minutes leading ultimately to his death. As soon as the news spread, the agitated hawkers ransacked the station compound, gharaoed the RPF office and demanded immediate arrest of the offending ASI.

They squatted on the tracks and placed the body of the dead hawker across the rails, blocking movement of trains. Soon Birbhum SP Rishikesh Meena arrived with a huge force, including combat personnel, and pleaded with them to remove the body, but to no avail. They dispersed after the police made a lathicharge.

The angry hawkers also beat up an SI from Bolpur police station. The departure of Up Shantiniketn Express was delayed as a result by 40 minutes. The SP said he had talked to the concerned officials of the GRP and RPF. "A case against the RPF officer has been lodged and GRP will investigate the matter."