Kolkata: A fresh complaint in the 2012 murder case of anti-rape crusader and schoolteacher Barun Biswas has named former CM Mamata Banerjee as an alleged conspirator. The complaint was filed by Nandadulal Das, one of Barun’s closest associates in the movement against rapes in Sutia, North 24 Parganas.
In a letter to Bongaon SP Bidisha Kalita Dasgupta on Wednesday, Das alleged that Barun’s killing — over 14 years ago — was never properly investigated because of the roles allegedly played by Mamata and former state food minister Jyotipriya Mallick. He urged the police to treat his complaint as an FIR and order a fresh investigation.
Earlier, Barun’s family members had accused Mallick, the then-Habra MLA, of being behind the murder.
Following the change of govt, Barun’s family approached CM Suvendu Adhikari seeking justice. Adhikari assured them of a proper probe, following which CID visited the Biswas residence in Gobardanga. The next hearing in the case is scheduled before a Bongaon court on Aug 31, when Barun’s father is expected to testify.
Police sources said it may be decided on that day whether Das’s complaint will be formally registered as an FIR.
Barun’s sister, Pramila Roy Biswas, said: “Everyone has the right to protest. Nandadulal Das has taken legal steps in his own way. The allegations against Mamata Banerjee are his personal claims and not the family’s official position. However, the Biswas family has no separate stand or statement on this particular complaint.”
Das, also a schoolteacher, claimed he faced years of harassment for speaking out about Barun’s murder. “During the previous regime, false cases were filed branding me a Maoist. Trinamool had attempted to shield the real accused by blaming CPM functionaries for the murder,” he said.
Das alleged that Mallick was the principal accused in the murder, adding that the former minister enjoyed Banerjee’s protection. “This prevented a fair investigation, allowing both to evade accountability while the blame was shifted onto CPM. CM Adhikari assured a comprehensive investigation, prompting me to seek a fresh probe against the two,” he said.
Bongaon SP Dasgupta told TOI: “We have called the complainant to examine the information and evidence. Appropriate legal action will be taken on the basis of material placed before us.”
Barun, a Bengali teacher at Mitra Institution (Main), Kolkata, was shot dead by assailants near Gobardanga railway station in on July 5, 2012. The 38-year-old teacher emerged as the face of the movement against sexual violence and gang rapes in Sutia and also campaigned against corruption.