The tragic death of a tribal student in Bansipur sparks outrage

BALURGHAT: In a tragic incident at Bansipur in Balurghat block of south Dinajpur, the mysterious death of a postgraduate student, Dipika Murmu, has sparked widespread demands for justice. Dipika, a BA graduate from the Adivasi community, was found hanging in the nearby Madarganj area on the morning of October 15. Her family, along with local Adivasi leaders, allege a crime and demand the death penalty for the perpetrators. The district leadership of the Adivasi cell of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) visited the grieving family on Thursday evening to express support and urge for a thorough investigation.

They later met the Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Patiram police station and demanded quick action.

Leaders present included Shuklal Hansda, member of Zilla Parishad (ZP) and president of District Primary Teachers’ Association, and Ashok Krishna Kujur, another member of Zilla Parishad.

Shuklal Hansda said: “This is a heinous crime. Regardless of the political affiliation of the perpetrators, we demand exemplary punishment. We cannot accept the untimely death of a PhD student like Dipika. We urge the authorities to uncover the truth behind her death and ensure that justice is served.”

Dipika’s mother, Surujmoni Tudu, expressed similar sentiments and cried inconsolably as she shared that her daughter had left the house on Monday afternoon but never returned. “She told us she was on her way home but shortly afterwards her phone was switched off. The next morning we found her hanging. My daughter could never commit suicide; “She was murdered,” she said, calling for the harshest punishment for those responsible.

Police Commissioner Satkar Sangbo assured that a detailed investigation is underway and more clarity will emerge once the post-mortem report is available. “If foul play is confirmed, the guilty will not escape justice,” he further promised.