8 SKM supporters arrested for assaulting SDF candidate at West Pendam

House raided at night, intruders allege stones hurled at them

PRAKASH ADHIKARI GANGTOK, APRIL 8/--/ The Pakyong District Police on Monday arrested eight people in connection with the case of tress passing and assault on Sikkim Democratic Front candidate from West Pendam  Anup Thatal and his supporters at Swaney, West Pendam. 

According to the police report, SDF leader Anup That alwas at the residence of Pritam Dhamala at Swaney when at around1:10 am on Monday eight people, identified as members of the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha, entered the residence. This led to a confrontation. The intruders alleged that stones were thrown at them from Pritam  Dhamala’s residence, resulting in minor injuries to three people. 

The SDF in a Press statement condemned the incident and demanded that the Election Commission take cognizance of the incident and that the intruders be arrested.“In the early hours of April 8,2024, Rangpo Police Station was alerted about a disturbance at the residence of Pritam Dhamala in Sawney. 

The residence, currently occupied by SDF party candidate Anup Thatal, became the focal point of an incident involving members of the SKM,” a Press release issued by Pakyong District Police on Monday said. 

“Upon receiving the information at approximately 0110hours, immediate actions were taken by dispatching the Golitar Police beat team to the scene, given their proximity, along with SI Ashim Rai and the Quick Response Team (QRT) from Rangpo Police Station. Sector Magistrate Suren Tamang and SDPO Mahendra Subba were also promptly informed and engaged in the response efforts”, read the release. 

“The preliminary investigation revealed that eight individuals, identified as members of the SKM, entered Dhamala’s residence, leading to a confrontation. Allegations were made by the intruders that stones were thrown at them from the residence, resulting in minor injuries to three individuals: Pankaj Rai, Sonam Tamang, and Ranjan Pradhan. 

By the time police forces arrived at the scene, the alleged perpetrators had vacated the premises. Subsequently a report was filed by Pritam Dhamala, alleging that these individuals trespassed onto his property and assaulted his tenant. 

The individuals named in the report are Ranjan Pradhan, Pankaj Rai, Chopel Bhutia, Prabhakar Bhujel, Tshering Tamang, Sanjeet Gupta, Suku Dorjee Gupta, and Mohan Gurung”, read the release. 

“In response to these serious allegations and following a thorough initial investigation, Rangpo Police Station has registered an FIR against the aforementioned individuals. All eight accused have been arrested and are currently under police custody pending further investigation