Thursday’s vandalism at the inland container depot (ICD) near New Jalpaiguri station by INTTUC supporters prompted many trade outfits on Friday to point out that violence could prove a hurdle for the Mamata Banerjee government to attract investments in Bengal.
The attack, which brought activities at the ICD to a grinding halt, has led to loss of face for ruling Trinamul, particularly as it occurred when chief minister Mamata Banerjee was at state branch secretariat Uttarkanya barely 3km away.
On Friday, representatives of a number of trade bodies visited the site. They spoke with representatives of Pristine Hindustan Infraprojects Private Limited, the Delhi-based company running the ICD.
“At a time the chief minister and her government are trying to get new investments, such an incident can discourage entrepreneurs,” said Nishant Mittal, chairman of the Indian Chamber of Commerce in north Bengal.
Sanjay Tibrewal, vice-chairman of the NB zonal council of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), pointed out new investments were needed to create jobs. “Those involved in the attack should face legal steps,” added Tibrewal.
On Thursday, around 300 INTTUC supporters led by a New Jalpalguri based leader, Prasenjit Roy, entered the ICD and indiscriminately ransacked the company’s office, vehicles and equipment. The attackers alleged the company did not hire New Jalpalguri trucks and workers.
Police dispersed attackers, and later arrested five. As of now, altogether nine persons have been arrested, including Sushanta Das, an office bearer of a taxi union and Roy’s associate, said a source.
On why the ICD was closed, Sanjay Mawar, one of the directors of Pristine Hindustan Infraprojects, said they needed time for repairs and wanted evidence to stay intact for the police probe. He said the attack hurt their confidence.
Amid a storm of criticism, INTTUC leader Roy has been show-caused. INTTUC and Trinamul leaders alike have criticised the vandalism.
Arup Ratan Ghosh, the Darjeeling district INTTUC president, called the vandalism “irresponsible”. “It should never have happened. We should consider workers' interests but refrain from acts that can affect private investments,” Ghosh said.
Ranjan Sarkar, Darjeeling (plains) Trinamul president, was equally critical. “The police have managed to bring the situation under control but they should take stern steps as instructed by the chief minister. Nobody is above the law,” said Sarkar.
Party insiders said a decision on Roy would be taken after Gautam Deb, state tourism minister and MLA of Dabgram-Fulbari — the ICD is located under his constituency — returns from Calcutta.
New Jalpaiguri station premises and surrounding areas wore a deserted look on Friday. All shops were closed and vehicles stayed parked. Residents said some INTTUC supporters had "imposed a strike" to protest the arrests of some of their colleagues.
Hundreds of passengers who reached the station on Friday faced inconveniences till policemen and some Trinamul leaders urged shop owners and transporters to restore normality. Some vehicles plied in the area but most shops stayed shut.
