Justice for Jhamaklal Village: Raju Bista Seeks Governor’s Intervention Over Assault on Pregnant Adivasi Woman

Darjeeling, February 22, 2026 — Escalating the fight for justice in a horrific case of land-grabbing and violence in the Darjeeling district, Lok Sabha MP Raju Bista has formally written to West Bengal Governor Dr. C.V. Ananda Bose, urging immediate intervention.

The Darjeeling MP has also sought urgent action from the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) regarding the brutal assault on a seven-month pregnant Adivasi woman in Jhamaklal Village, under the jurisdiction of the Phansidewa Police Station.

In his detailed correspondence, MP Raju Bista highlighted that the violence stemmed from the victim’s family resisting the illegal transfer and grabbing of their ancestral tribal land.

On December 23, 2025, the pregnant woman was mercilessly assaulted by an individual identified as Mohammad Kadir Ali and his associates. The severity of the physical trauma forced the victim into premature labor on January 8, 2026. Tragically, the newborn infant, having suffered grave internal injuries resulting from the assault on the mother, survived for only three days before passing away.

Bista’s letter raises serious questions regarding the role of the local administration and law enforcement. Despite complaints being officially lodged in December 2025, the Phansidewa police allegedly failed to take prompt action.

“It was only after the tragic death of the infant that limited action was initiated, and even now, only one accused has reportedly been arrested,” Bista noted, calling the delay a sign of deep administrative apathy and a potential attempt to shield the perpetrators.

Furthermore, the Darjeeling MP pointed out that the ease with which ancestral tribal land was illegally transferred into another individual’s name suggests a high level of corruption. He stated that such a transaction “could not have occurred without collusion” involving the Block Land and Land Reforms Officer (BLRO) and the Registrar’s Office.

Calling the incident a “heinous crime against a Scheduled Tribe woman and a gross violation of constitutional protections,” Bista has placed four specific demands before the authorities:

1. Immediate Cognizance: Strict action against the perpetrators under the relevant provisions of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

2. Swift Arrests: The immediate apprehension of all accused persons involved in the assault.

3. Independent Probe: An inquiry against police and administrative officials for dereliction of duty, alongside an independent investigation into the illegal transfer of the tribal land.

4. Support for the Family: Ensuring adequate financial compensation, rehabilitation, and medical support for the grieving victim and her family.

The MP concluded his letter by urging the Governor and the Commissions to prioritize the matter and ensure that the systemic failure to protect vulnerable tribal communities in West Bengal is addressed without further delay.

Also read: Massive Protest In Bagdogra Demands Justice For Assaulted Pregnant Tribal Woman | BJP MP Raju Bista Visits Family Of Assaulted Pregnant Adivasi Woman, Warns West Bengal Govt Of Protests In North Bengal | Jhamaklal Village Case: Tear Gas And Water Cannons Used On Protesters Demanding Justice For Adivasi Woman