Lenin's statue vandalized in Darjeeling, CPIM(L) demanded strict punishment

A statue of Russian Communist leader Vladimir Lenin was allegedly demolished in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal. The statue was situated in the Bengaizot area in the Naxalbari block for the last 56 years. Three statues of Lenin, Karl Marx, and Stalin were installed together but only the statue of Lenin was found broken on Wednesday.

Darjeeling Police registered a case against an unknown accused and started an investigation. Meanwhile, Purna Singh, a member of CPIM(L) demanded a neutral investigation and appropriate punishment of the culprits behind this incident.

According to historians, on May 25, 1967, agitating farmers marched against the police and administration in the Bengaizot area. Following this, a massive clash took place between the police and the protestors. The statue has been intact for the last 56 years but today it was hit for the first time.

A preliminary investigation revealed that the Lenin statue was allegedly demolished on Tuesday night. Police started an investigation but the accused is yet to be identified. On the other hand, Purna Singh, a member of the local CPI(ML), demanded the perpetrators be identified and appropriate action taken against them.