Tapasi Malik, a member of Save Singur Farmland Committee, was murdered outside the project site
KOLKATA: The CPI(M) in West Bengal is now in a tight spot over the Central Bureau of Investigation (CB) findings over the rape and murder of young Tapasi Malik at Singur, the proposed site for Tata Motors’ small car project. After CPI(M) associate Debu Malik confessed to a court in Delhi of his involvement in the incident, the CBI on Thursday arrested a top ranking leader of Singur, Suhrid Dutta, in connection with the murder.
Dutta, CPI(M)’s Singur Zonal Committee secretary, was summoned to the CBI office on Thursday and after over three hours of interrogation, was arrested on charges of active involvement with the Tapasi Malik incident.
In December 18, 2006, the charred body of Tapasi Malik was recovered from a field adjacent to the Tata Motors' project site at Singur. The principal opposition parties of the state including Trinamool Congress had demanded a CBI enquiry in the matter alleging that Tapasi was murdered and killed by the night guard party of the project site, most of whom were close associates of CPI(M). The West Bengal chief minister had then agreed to the CBI enquiry. Tapasi was then an active member of the Save Singur Farmland Committee.
The CBI after initial enquiry suspected Debu Malik's involvement in the incident. Malik was then the leader of the night watch party. Last week, CBI took Debu to New Delhi, where he had to undergo narco-analysis Test. At the time of interrogation, Malik confessed of his involvement with the incident. He later gave his confession at Patiyala Court in New Delhi.
CPI(M) party central committee member, Benoy Konar immediately identified Debu as a mere party supporter and not a member. However, West Bengal chief minister, Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee said that anyone found guilty with the murder and rape of Tapasi should not be spared irrespective of his political affiliation.
