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KalimNews with Inputs from Agencies, Siliguri, 9 March 2025: In a significant breakthrough, Darjeeling Police arrested Prakash Gurung, a key suspect in the 2017 murder case of police officer Amitabha Mallick. The killing occurred during a volatile phase when the Gorkha Jana Mukti Morcha (GJMM), led by Bimal Gurung, had reignited its demand for a separate Gorkhaland state.
Prakash Gurung, currently associated with the Indian Gorkha Janshakti Front (IGJF) led by Ajoy Edwards, was apprehended on Saturday from Basbotey Rimbick. He was produced before the court today, where the court remanded him to 14 days of judicial custody. The case, which sent shockwaves through the region, has seen Darjeeling Police file two specific cases and charge a total of 27 individuals under stringent sections of the Indian Penal Code, including 353 (assault on a public servant), 120B (criminal conspiracy), 307 (attempt to murder), and 302 (murder). The charges also include the procurement of arms and ammunition, including AK-47 rifles.
While several individuals were arrested earlier, 15 suspects, including Prakash Gurung, remained at large until now. Among those previously arrested were Shyam Kami, Mahindra Kami, and Diwas Lepcha, who were apprehended on 13 October 2017 from the Pulbazar area. They, along with Suraj Pradhan and Firoz Thapa, had spent over five years in jail. Additionally, Ashwin Gurung, Dawa Sherpa, Navin Rai, and Paras Mangar were arrested and spent more than four years in custody. After years of detention, all nine were granted interim bail by the Calcutta High Court’s Jalpaiguri Circuit Bench, with their release from the Darjeeling District Correctional Home.
Prakash Gurung, a former Sabhasad of GTA and President of GJYM, the youth wing of GJMM, was one of the 26 individuals chargesheeted in this case over seven years ago. Bimal Gurung, the GJMM leader, has also been named in the chargesheet. However, after a long legal battle, he surrendered before the court on 15 February 2025.
On 30 January 2025, Bimal Gurung had filed an anticipatory bail application in the Calcutta High Court, which was granted by Justice Jaymalya Bagchi’s division bench. He was directed to surrender within one month. On surrendering, Bimal Gurung’s bail application was approved by the court, allowing him to remain free during the ongoing investigation.
Another accused, Ayush Rai, was arrested on February 15, 2025. His bail application was rejected by the court.
Prakash Gurung’s legal team is currently working towards his early release. The IGJF has expressed full support for Gurung and his family during this time. Ajoy Edwards, the IGJF leader, stated, “We stand firmly with Prakash Gurung and his family. We have full faith in the judiciary and hope that justice will be done.”
The arrest marks a significant step in the long-pending investigation, shedding light on the violent clashes that marred the Gorkhaland agitation. Authorities are now under increasing pressure to ensure justice for the slain officer, Amitabha Mallick, and to bring all perpetrators to justice. The investigation into the violent 2017 Gorkhaland agitation continues, with police determined to hold accountable all those responsible for the unrest that disrupted the region.
