WOMAN FIRED BY FOREST GUARDS AT MADARIHAT FOR CUTTING TREES

By A. Maitra (TNI Falakata)

Webdesk, TNI Madarihat 13^th May, 2016: Forest guards of Jaldapara North Range fired at a woman, who went to the forest for fuel woods. The name of the deceased is Bina Biswas, a resident of Meghnad Saha Nagar. Initially, she was taken to Madarihat Rural Hospital then Alipurduar District Hospital. Dr. Arindam Adhikari said that at least 20-25 bullets hit her. Her husband Indrajit Biswas said that they are living in fear because of elephant attacks. His family is dependent on daily wages hence; they cannot afford to buy LPG so they venture into the forest to get woods. According to Bina’s husband the forest guards fired at her without provocation because she was picking dead twigs. On the other hand, forest officials gave a different version. According to Wildlife Conservator, Mr. Bimal Debnath the woman was cutting trees when she was caught red handed by the forest guards. She then rushed towards them with her dagger. The forest guards tried to pacify her by firing in the sky may be somehow the firing was misdirected due to the scuffle. He also added that entering in the reserved area was strictly prohibited.

Edited By: Snigdha Som (TNI Siliguri)