Hate speech accused traced & arrested at Bodhgaya by Sikkim Police

GANGTOK, : Samson Tamang, on the run from the law after his hate speech against Khas community, has been finally traced and arrested by Sikkim Police at Bodhgaya.

Samson faces multiple FIRs at different police stations of Sikkim including one complaint registered on February 3 at GangtokSadar police station. He has been widely condemned for making offensive remarks through social media against the Khas (Chettri-Bahun) community of Sikkim and West Bengal.

It was informed on Wednesday late night that a Gangtok police team led by SDPO TashiChopel arrested the accused from Bodhgaya with coordination and assistance from Bihar Police.

After registering the FIR, the Gangtok police team led by the SDPO and consisting of PI DP Limboo, PI NareshChhetri, SI Taman R Gurung, and PC personnel reached Siliguri to trace the accused.

Samson hails from Darjeeling region and was untraceable after posting his offensive remarks on social media.

With the help of technical surveillance and source information, the Sikkim police team spread all around North Bengal, border areas with Nepal, Delhi, Kurseong and Darjeeling. Various places in and aroundNaxalbari, Terai regions, Panitanki and Salugara were thoroughly checked day in and day out for any possible leads, police informed.

Following daily frantic search and technical surveillance, the team finally got a lead that the absconding accused could be located at Bodhgaya.

After an intensive search for the absconding accused for the past 13 days, the Sikkim Police team finally apprehendedSamson Tamang from Bodhgaya with the assistance from Bihar Police (Gaya district).

Meanwhile, political parties here have congratulated Sikkim Police for the successful tracing and arrest of Samson.

“Sikkim Police made relentless efforts and were successful in arresting Samson Tamang from Bodhgaya which reflects the capability and commitment of Sikkim Police. It has shown the strong dedication of Sikkim Police to protect communal harmony,” said SKM spokesperson BikashBasnet.

Basnet added that Chief Minister PS Golay took active initiatives and was in regular contact with Sikkim Police to personally monitor the progress being made in the case.

“The Chief Minister had maintained that such elements who are trying to vitiate communal harmony in Sikkim must be arrested and given strong punishment as per law. Now the person who tried to disrupt communal harmony has been arrested which shows the unyielding commitment of the Chief Minister towards social justice and communal harmony,” said the SKM spokesperson.

“Certain opposition parties tried to politicize the remarks made by Samson Tamang and the SKM strongly condemns them. The SKM’s stand was that Samson will be definitely arrested one day but the opposition politicized the matter to create social divisions in Sikkim which is a condemnable act,” said the SKM spokesperson.

The SKM is also confident that the State government and administration will find why Samson Tamang tried to spread communal disharmony and those persons behind him, said Basnet.

Similarly, the State BJP has congratulated Sikkim Police for their relentless efforts in tracking and apprehending Samson Tamang in Bodhgaya.Their efficient use of technical surveillance, intelligence gathering, and extensive search operations across multiple States reflects their professionalism and commitment to upholding law and order in the State, said State BJP media in-charge Niren Bhandari.

“This successful operation reaffirms Sikkim Police’s dedication to justice and maintaining communal harmony in our State. The BJP Sikkim Pradesh acknowledges and commends their unwavering determination and coordinated efforts in swiftly bringing the accused to justice.”

“We also thank the Government of Sikkim, Bihar Police, and all law enforcement agencies involved in this operation. The BJP Sikkim Pradesh remains committed to promoting peace, harmony, and the rule of law, and we stand in full support of the authorities in ensuring justice prevails,” said Bhandari.

Opposition SDF also congratulated Sikkim Police and the concerned police team for successfully tracing and apprehending Samson Tamang.

The SDF demanded that the case is transferred to CBI if the SKM government wants to prove its non-involvement with the accused person.

In a press statement, the Citizen Action Party (CAP) Sikkim has also extended its appreciation to Sikkim Police for apprehending Samson from Bodhgaya.

“CAP-Sikkim stands firmly against any form of communal discord and divisive rhetoric that threatens the peace and harmony of our beloved State. The party has always been committed to fostering unity, respect, and brotherhood among all communities in Sikkim. The offensive statements made by Samson not only hurt the sentiments of a particular community but also posed a serious threat to the social fabric of our State,” said CAP Sikkim vice president PrashantBabuChettri.

“We urge the law enforcement agencies and judicial authorities to ensure that strict legal action is taken against him so that such instances do not recur in the future. Hate speech and attempts to create disharmony must be met with zero tolerance, and all those who seek to disturb the peace of Sikkim must be held accountable as per the law,” said Chettri.

“We also appeal to the people of Sikkim to maintain harmony and let the law take its due course. Let us stand united against hate and uphold the values of peace and brotherhood that define our State,” said the CAP Sikkim vice president. 

Pic: The Sikkim Police team with the accused person at Bodhgaya.