HAILAKANDI, March 27 � The 12-hour Lala town bandh called by the Hailakandi district committee of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) passed off peacefully on Thursday. The bandh was called by the BJP, demanding the arrest of culprits in the Jaba Nath assault and molestation case. Police on Thursday evening also picked up five members of Trishakti Mahila Samiti for interrogation.
It may be mentioned here that Jaba Nath (40) was beaten up and allegedly molested on March 2 at her residence in the Vivekananda Road area of Lala town by one Babla Paul. She immediately filled an FIR in this regard with the Lala police station, but no arrest was made. The members of BJP managed the treatment of Nath after the incident. Later on March 17, the members of Trishakti Mahila Samiti allegedly maligned Jaba Nath and passed some uncomplimentary remarks against her. Jaba Nath, wife of Niranjan Nath and mother of a son, went to Lala police station on Wednesday and asked police regarding the development of her case and requested the police to file another FIR against the members of Trishakti Mahila Samiti for passing such comments against her.
The police reportedly suggested to her to file a defamation case in the court in this regard. Not satisfied with the reply, Jaba came out from the room and set herself afire with kerosene. She was rescued by the police and sent to Silchar Medical College and Hospital for treatment. Police said that Jaba Nath got 70 per cent burns. The Officer-in-charge of Lala Police station, PK Rajbangshi said that the investigation was on and expressed concern over the serious step taken by the victim.
A team of the BJP led by district president, Kshitish Paul gheraoed Lala police station after the incident on Wednesday evening and demanded the arrest of the culprits.
The district administration of Hailakandi has ordered a magisterial inquiry into the incident. The Additional Deputy Commissioner of Hailakandi, Nabarun Bhattacharjee said that nobody will be spared if found guilty in the incident. The Deputy Inspector General of Police, Vinode Kumar visited Lala town on Thursday and took stock of the situation.
