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KalimNews | May 15, 2025 | Darjeeling : Chief Judicial Magistrate court Darjeeling on Thursday dismissed the bail petition of two individuals arrested in connection with the recent assault on Sudhan Gurung, a civil rights activist and whistleblower, and ordered their judicial custody for 14 days. The case has drawn significant public and political attention due to Gurung’s past allegations of large-scale irregularities in teacher appointments under the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA).
Gurung, who had raised concerns in 2019 about the appointment of 313 teachers by the GTA, citing nepotism and large-scale procedural lapses, was attacked on the evening of May 8 while returning home near the Motor Stand area. He was assaulted with a sharp-edged weapon and sustained injuries requiring medical attention, including seven stitches on his head. He was subsequently admitted to the Darjeeling district hospital.
In response to growing outrage and protests by various political groups and civil society organizations, police arrested two residents of the Singtom Tea Estate on May 12. The accused were initially remanded to three days of police custody for further investigation.
Following the end of the remand period, the duo was produced before the Chief Judicial Magistrate’s court on Thursday. Assistant Public Prosecutor Pankaj Prasad confirmed that the bail plea was rejected and the accused were remanded to 14 days of judicial custody.
Gurung, who was discharged from the hospital on May 14, reiterated his accusations against the ruling Bharatiya Gorkha Prajatantrik Morcha (BGPM), which currently administers the GTA. According to him, several BGPM leaders were allegedly involved in manipulation and favoritism in the recruitment process. He claimed that family members of politically connected individuals were appointed to teaching positions over more qualified candidates.
Gurung further alleged that the attack was an attempt to silence him. “I believe the assailants were paid to kill me,” he said, adding that he had been targeted due to his persistent efforts to expose the wrongdoing. Authorities have recovered an 18 mm iron rod used in the attack. The police, according to the prosecution, have also conducted a crime scene reconstruction as part of their ongoing investigation to determine whether additional individuals were involved.
