In a relief to Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) president Bimal Gurung, a city court on Thursday discharged him from the Madan Tamang murder case.
Judge K.K. Kumai however directed that charges be framed against 47 other accused on August 28.
Madan Tamang, leader of the Akhil Bharatiya Gorkha League, was killed on May 21, 2010 in broad daylight in Darjeeling. Of the 54 accused, four have died while two are absconding.
Of the 48 remaining accused, Mr. Gurung has been discharged of the charges. But 47 others, including Asha, Mr. Gurung’s wife, and other GJM leaders are named in charge sheet.
Counsel for Mr. Gurung argued that he was in Kalimpong when the incident occurred. He said the CBI could not provide any proof of Mr. Gurung’s involvement in the crime.
Most of the accused had filed discharge petitions. The CBI opposed the petitions and sought framing of charges against the accused.
Madan Tamang’s wife Bharati Tamang had prayed that the hearing of the case be shifted from a court from Darjeeling to Kolkata. In 2013, the Supreme Court directed that the case be shifted to a court in Kolkata.
The development comes at a time when the hills are on a boil over Gorkhaland demand.
