Siliguri August 2025— A disturbing case of racial abuse and physical assault in Siliguri’s Hakimpara area has led to widespread protests and the arrest of two women accused of targeting a young Gorkha student and her friends.
The complaint was filed by a nepali student from a Scheduled Tribe community originally from a tea garden in Dooars, West Bengal. She is currently living in a rented room on Rash Behari Sarani, Hakimpara while pursuing higher studies and preparing for competitive exams.
According to the police complaint, two sisters, residents of the upper floor of the same building, allegedly damaged her window with a hammer. When confronted, they reportedly physically attacked Ms. Lama and her friends, also using the hammer during the altercation. The students managed to defend themselves and stop the assault.
What has caused deep concern is that the attack was not just physical. Ms. Lama alleged that the accused also used racially offensive and caste-based insults, making demeaning comments about their tribal and ethnic identity, and even accused them of immoral conduct. The sisters also allegedly threatened to evict them from Siliguri, questioning their right to stay in the city.
A formal complaint was lodged at Siliguri Police Station, triggering immediate attention. The case has been taken seriously by the authorities and is being investigated under the supervision of the Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP). Based on the complaint, the police have registered charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), India’s updated criminal code and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, which specifically addresses crimes against marginalized communities. These legal provisions reflect the gravity of the allegations.
Alongside, Darjeeling’s MP Raju Bista and MLA Neeraj Zimba, and representatives of various political parties of hills have also called for swift and fair action. They stressed the need for accountability and legal protection for students and youth from minority communities living in urban areas. Moreover, MP Raju Bista, in his letter to Police Commissioner Shri C. Sudhakar, prioritized the seriousness of the allegations and urged strict legal consequences if the accused are found guilty.
The incident eventually encouraged massive outrage, particularly among the Gorkha communities, who came out in large numbers to demand justice. Following intense protests, Siliguri Police arrested both women involved in the act.
This incident has once again brought into focus the challenges faced by students from the hills and tea garden areas, many of whom migrate to cities like Siliguri for education. The community is now demanding stronger action against racial discrimination and caste-based violence, as well as policies that ensure dignity, safety, and equality for all.
Authorities are now under pressure to ensure such incidents are not repeated and that Siliguri remains a safe space for all its residents—regardless of language, appearance, or background.
