 |
|
A disturbing incident unfolded in Siliguri, West Bengal, where two men from Bihar, who had traveled to the city to apply for jobs in a central police force, were subjected to harassment and intimidation by members of a local organization. The accused, Rajat Bhattacharya and Giridhari Roy, both affiliated with Bangla Paksha, an organization advocating for the rights of Bengali-speaking people in the state, alleged that the Bihar residents were using fake West Bengal domiciliary certificates to secure their appointments. The incident sparked outrage and drew attention from prominent political figures across India, highlighting concerns about regional tensions and the importance of protecting the rights of job seekers.
The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, came to light on Thursday when a video of the harassment went viral on social media platforms. The video depicted the two Bihar residents being forced to hold their ears and perform physical exercises, with the accused accusing them of taking away jobs meant for local Bengalis. The authenticity of the video could not be independently verified. The incident triggered a wave of condemnation, with Union Minister Giriraj Singh, Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) leader Chirag Paswan, and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar demanding swift action against those responsible. The Bihar police also contacted their counterparts in West Bengal to seek an investigation and ensure the safety of Bihar students seeking employment opportunities.
Following the widespread outrage, the Siliguri city police arrested Bhattacharya and Roy on Friday on charges of harassment, intimidation, and assault. The accused maintained their stance, claiming the Bihar residents were using fraudulent documents. However, Atri Sharma, president of the Siliguri-based Bihari Kalyan Manch, condemned the assault and emphasized the need for a police investigation to determine the authenticity of the domiciliary certificates. The incident highlights the sensitive nature of regional tensions and the need for authorities to ensure fair and equal opportunities for job seekers from all backgrounds.
The case underscores the importance of upholding the rule of law and protecting the rights of individuals regardless of their origin. While the allegations of fake documents require thorough investigation, the violence and intimidation directed towards the Bihar residents cannot be condoned. This incident serves as a reminder of the need for peaceful and inclusive practices, ensuring that job opportunities are accessible to all qualified individuals without fear of harassment or discrimination.
Source: 2 Bengal men arrested for intimidating job seekers from Bihar in Siliguri