Kolkata, Apr 3 (PTI): West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has termed the death of student leader Sudipta Gupta’s “unfortunate” but stated that he died due to an accident and not because of police torture.
“Any death is unfortunate. This is also unfortunate. I will not say anything more than this,” Mamata told reporters in Kolkata outside the state-run SSKM Hospital where Gupta’s body was kept.
When asked whether there would be any judicial enquiry as demanded by the opposition, she said: “There are many Trinamool workers who died hitting the post while commuting in trains. I cannot say anything more than that.”
The police also claimed that Sudipta fell from a bus and was hit on his head which resulted in his death. The bus was ferrying SFI supporters who were arrested during a protest against postponement of college elections in the state on Tuesday. Sudipta’s death has triggered a row with the police claiming it an accident while the CPM alleged that he succumbed to injuries sustained in police lathicharge.
Meanwhile, Sudipta’s father Pronob Kumar Gupta, has refused to accept any help from the state government.
He said: “My son was beaten to death. Is it justice? I was a Central government employee. I get pension. I cannot accept any money. It is against my principle. She is offering me money, but can she return my son?”
The SFI has called for a state wide strike on Thursday in protest against the incident.