 |
| Screengrab of the accused two |
The two accused have been presented before the Chief Judicial Magistrate’s Court, Darjeeling, where they have been granted three days of police custody as the investigation into the case continues. They were arrested from their residences on the night of Sunday, May 10, 2025, after being identified with the help of CCTV footage. The footage revealed the accused following Sudhan Gurung after he visited Gorkhey Hat, before attacking him and fleeing the crime scene.
In response to the ongoing investigation, Anit Thapa, President of the Bharatiya Gorkha Prajatantrik Morcha (BGPM) and Chief Executive of the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA), emphasized the importance of supporting the police in their efforts to bring justice. Thapa expressed his commitment to seeing the investigation through, stating, “I receive daily reports from the police regarding the progress of the investigation. Sudhan Gurung is not my enemy. He deserves justice.” He also urged anyone who witnessed the attack to come forward and assist the authorities, stressing that simply making media statements would not lead to justice.
Thapa acknowledged that the narrative surrounding the incident could be distorted by anyone, but reaffirmed his belief that supporting the police was the only path to justice. He also clarified, “Regardless of what the investigation report reveals, or who is found guilty, I stand firmly on the side of justice.”
However, the attack has sparked significant controversy and public debate. Opposition party leaders and their supporters, as well as sections of the public, have raised concerns about the involvement of the ruling party in the attack. Many have speculated that the attack might have been orchestrated by members of the BGPM or incited by them due to Gurung’s outspoken criticism of the ruling party’s actions. Demonstrations have erupted, with protesters demanding that the real culprits be arrested and brought to justice. They have also called for strong punishment for those responsible, intensifying the political tension in the region.
Meanwhile, the attack on Gurung has drawn attention to his role in exposing alleged irregularities within the recruitment system of the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA). Gurung has been a vocal advocate against the illegal appointments of voluntary teachers in GTA schools, a matter that has been under legal scrutiny. A case was filed in the Calcutta High Court in 2023 by Jashimuddin Mondal and others, challenging the appointments. The court had previously ruled that the recruitment of 313 voluntary teachers in 91 schools across Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts in 2019 was illegal due to the failure to follow appointment norms, including the lack of necessary qualifications such as B.Ed certification.
The case, which remains a critical point of focus, is set to be heard again on June 17, 2025. In the most recent hearing on April 30, 2025, Joydip Kar, senior counsel for the GTA, informed the court that while the majority of the 313 guest teachers met the required qualifications, a few may not. He further emphasized that it was now the responsibility of the GTA to identify and address these discrepancies. The court has directed the GTA to submit a report on the status of these qualifications during the upcoming hearing, which will likely determine the future course of action regarding the recruitment and appointment process.
The recruitment issue is central to the ongoing investigations into potential corruption and irregularities within the state’s educational system. Earlier, the Calcutta High Court had issued a directive regarding the suspension of salaries for the 313 teachers, amidst the ongoing legal challenges surrounding their appointments. Despite expectations for an order following the April 7, 2025, hearing, the court did not issue any ruling regarding the suspension of salaries at that time.
As investigations into both the violent attack on Sudhan Gurung and the alleged GTA teacher recruitment scam unfold, the community is closely watching the developments in the legal proceedings and the progress of the police investigation. With tensions high, the public and political parties remain keen to see swift justice, both for the attack on Gurung and for the alleged corruption in teacher recruitment.
