Adivasis block NH-34 in Malda over teacher assault

Malda: Adivasis blocked NH-34 near Malda’s Englishbazar for hours on Friday, demanding the arrest of a Trinamool Congress councillor who allegedly led an attack on a teacher last Sunday. The blockade was lifted following police intervention.
Manikora high school teacher Sudip Tudu was visiting a relative on October 17 when there was a cycle theft. The needle of suspicion automatically pointed to the stranger in town, allegedly prompting councillor Paritosh Choudhury and his henchmen to beat up Tudu.
The teacher’s family lodged a police complaint, leading to the arrest of two persons. Choudhury, who apologised for the “misunderstanding”, was however not taken into custody. Adivasi leaders led the blockade and issued a 72-hour deadline for the councillor’s arrest, failing which they plan a “bigger agitation”.
SP Alok Rajoria said: “The case is being investigated. Two have been arrested. We appeal to everyone to keep faith in us and maintain peace.”