Cong supporter killed at Malda rally venue

Subhro Maitra TNN
Malda: One person was killed and five were injured after a tree branch — groaning under the weight of Congress supporters — collapsed on him at Samsi College Ground, 70 km from Malda, the venue of Sonia Gandhi’s meeting. Md Abu Dar (55), a diehard Congress supporter of Jagannathpur village, had travelled 30 km to attend Sonia’s rally in support of Mausam Noor, the Congress candidate for Malda North. Since 9.30 am, he — along with other villagers — was waiting to catch a glimpse of Sonia. However, with the crowd increasing by the minute (it had crossed 1.5 lakh, say police), the ground was hardly enough to accommodate them all. The barricades could not bear the pressure, neither did the mango tree on the field. It fell down, injuring five, including Dar, who were standing below it. Dar was one of those who were critically injured, and was taken to Ratua Hospital. He, however, died on the way. Superintendent of police Satyajit Bandyopadhyay, while confirming the death, said: “Tarak Mandal of Bilaimari was also seriously inured. He was taken to Malda hospital.” The father of three sons and 4 daughters, Dar was a known Congress supporter. Congress leaders Mausam Noor and Mustaque Alam visited Dar’s home after receiving the news. “The inadequate police infrastructure was responsible for the tragedy. Thanks to Congress workers, there was no further damage,” said Alam.