Five people were arrested in connection with the vandalization of properties at Ramakrishna Mission in West Bengal’s Jalpaiguri district, an official said.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Dipak Sarkar told ANI that the five people arrested on Tuesday in connection with the vandalization were identified as Shambhu Das, Debashish Sarkar, Shambhu Mahato, Samuel Baidya and Rajiv.
“As per the complaint of the Ramakrishna Mission, we have lodged a specific case. During the investigation, we arrested 5 people yesterday – Shambhu Das, Debashish Sarkar, Shambhu Mahato, Samuel Baidya and Rajiv. They are being forwarded to the concerned court with a prayer for a 7-day remand,” DCP Dipak Sarkar told ANI.
“Ramakrishna Mission stated that some hooligans led by Pradeep Roy attacked the Ramkrishna Mission ashram at Sevoke Road, and they threatened and snatched some articles like mobiles and others and damaged the CCTV of the premises and after damaging them, they left the place,” DCP Sarkar said.
“During the investigation, the police found a pending civil case regarding this land. There is a land dispute case and the main accused, as per the complaint Pradeep Roy, made a civil suit in court that this property belongs to him as per the Hindu succession act and he got status quo on this land,” DCP Sarkar said.
“We have placed security guards to avoid any untoward incidents. We have now introduced a police picket there. We are discussing with the Ramakrishna authorities regarding the matter…As per law, we are going to take steps,” he said.
Earlier on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi slammed West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over her remarks against the Ramakrishna Mission and Bharat Sevashram Sangha and said threats are being issued against these socio-religious organisations to please their vote bank.
While addressing a public meeting in Purulia, PM Modi said, “The TMC government, which intimidated and threatened the people of Bengal during elections, has crossed all limits this time. Today, in the country and the world, ISKCON, Ram Krishna Mission, and Bharat Sevashram Sangh are known for service and morality, but today the Chief Minister of Bengal is openly threatening them, warning them from an open platform.”
“There are millions of followers associated with these missions all over the world, and their sole aim is to serve the people. The Bengal government has pointed a finger at him and is threatening in his name. So much courage! Just to please their vote bank,” he added.
The Prime Minister’s statement comes after the West Bengal CM said on Saturday, “There is a maharaj in Behrampore; I have been hearing about him for a long time. Kartik Maharaj. He says he will not allow any TMC agents in the poll booth. I do not consider him a saint because he is directly involved in politics. I used to respect Bharat Sevashram Sangha a lot. It has been on my list of respected organisations for a long time.”
