A resident of Sikkim’s Daramdin constituency was allegedly attacked in an attempted murder linked to a community campaign against a polluting crusher and hot mix plant. The attack occurred on June 10, and police have arrested five people, including the alleged mastermind and a government contractor, in connection with the case. The victim, Chandra Hang Subba, sustained serious injuries, including a fractured jaw and multiple fractures to his leg, and remains under medical care.
The dispute stemmed from a long-standing campaign by villagers against a hot mix asphalt plant, which they alleged had caused severe air pollution and affected the health of residents and livestock. The plant was ordered to shut down permanently in March after an inspection found it to be operating in violation of environmental norms. Villagers had submitted a petition to the district administration, following which the matter was referred to the Sikkim State Pollution Control Board.
The police investigation, aided by technical surveillance, human intelligence, and CCTV footage, led to the identification of the accused. The five arrested individuals, including 37-year-old Ash Bir Subba, who has been identified as the alleged mastermind, have been booked on charges including attempt to murder and are in judicial custody. Police are searching for two other accused who remain absconding.
The investigation was carried out by Soreng Police with assistance from Mangan, Sadar, and Ranipool police stations, the Cyber Cell, Darjeeling Police, and local volunteers. The victim’s wife and local resident Yash Kumar Chhetri welcomed the arrests and praised the police investigation, while urging the authorities to ensure that all those responsible are brought to justice. Chhetri said the villagers would continue to pursue the case to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
