Amitava Malik murder: Gurung's name absent from CID charge-sheet

MP, 25 January 2018, Darjeeling: Gorkha Janmukti Morcha leader Bimal Gurung's name did not feature in the charge-sheet filed by the CID in the Chief Judicial Magistrate Court, Darjeeling on Thursday in connection with the murder of Sub-Inspector of Police Amitava Malik. However, the charge-sheet has kept provisions for further investigations and filing of supplementary charge-sheet in future. 

"A charge-sheet has been submitted in the SI Amitava Malik murder case against Suraj Pradhan, Shyam Kami, Mahindra Kami and Dewraj Lepcha in the Chief Judicial Magistrate Court, Darjeeling on Thursday. However, provisions for further investigations and the filing of supplementary charge sheet has been kept open," stated Ajoy Prasad, SSP (North) CID. 

The four have been charged under sections 353/ 120B/ 307 / 302 of the Indian Penal Code read with sections 25/ 25 (i) (AA)/ 25 (2)/ 27/ 35 Arms Act read with sections 3/4 of Explosives Substances Act in SI Amitava Malik murder case. 

On October 13, 2017, a police team had raided the jungle of Shirubari forest on the banks of Chota Rangeet river, 25 km from Darjeeling, in search of GJM president Bimal Gurung. 

There was an alleged exchange of fire between the police and Gurung's supporters. SI Malik who was in hot pursuit fell prey to a bullet allegedly fired by Gurung's supporters. A huge cache of arms, ammunitions and explosives were recovered by the police from the spot. Police filed a suo moto FIR at the Darjeeling police station naming Bimal Gurung, Prakash Gurung, Dipen Maley, Amrit Yonzon and 50-60 others. The case was later handed over to the CID. 

On November 1, 2017, police arrested Shyam Kami, Mahendra Kami and others from the Bijanbari Bazar area while conducting surprise checks under the Pulbazar Police Station area in the wee hours. 

30-year-old Shyam Kami is from New Lands Tea Garden, Kumargram, Alipurduar; Mahendra Kami (29) is a resident of Birpara Khas Bustee, Alipurduar and Dewaj Lepcha (30) belongs to Daragaon, Bauxaduar, Kalchini, Alipurduar. It has been learnt that Suraj Pradhan is in a hospital. 

Police sources claim that all three of them belong to the controversial Gorkhaland Personnel (GLP). GLP allegedly guard Gurung, who is on the run.