Suchpur murder case: 44 CPI-M activists convicted
By IANSWednesday, November 10, 2010
SURI - A court in Birbhum district of West Bengal Wednesday convicted 44 Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) activists for hacking to death 11 landless farmers, reportedly Trinamool Congress supporters, in Suchpur village in July 2000.
“First Additional and District Session Judge of Suri Court Biswanath Konar convicted 44 CPI-M cadres in the Suchpur case,” said Ranjit Ganguly, the lawyer representing Trinamool Congress.
“The convicted include CPI-M rural body members Nitya Narayan Chatterjee and Golam Sarwar, and senior leaders Mohan Sheikh and Gopal Majhi. The court will pronounce the punishment Thursday,” Ganguly said.
Eleven landless farmers were hacked to death in Suchpur village in Nanoor July 27, 2000.
A case was filed against 74 persons in the Suri district court in 2002. After several hearings over the years, during which 7 accused passed away, the court announced Sep 24 that the verdict will be declared Oct 4, which was delayed again to Nov 10.
“All the 67 accused were brought before the court Thursday morning. The court acquitted 23, and convicted 44 persons under section 148, 149 and 302 of IPC,” Ganguly said.
“This is a victory of truth. The CPI-M cadres brutally killed 11 of our innocent supporters. We are waiting for their punishment. All the culprits should be hanged,” Trinamool Congress district president Anubrata Mondal said.
“My brother was killed in front of my eyes that day. But today, I am satisfied,” said Sheikh Raffique, an eyewitness to the massacre.
However, CPI-M leaders said they will appeal against the verdict.
“We shall go to higher court after the punishments are pronounced by the court Thursday,” CPI-M district committee secretary Dilip Ganguly said.
