Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) councillor Barun Bhujel, who was arrested in June died at the state-run SSKM hospital here today.
"Bhujel had chronic liver problem and pancreatitis. He died early today. Post-mortem is being done", Manimoy Bandpadhyay, superintendent of SSKM hospital said.
Superintendent of police, Kalimpong, Ajit Yadav said that Bhujel, a GJM Councillor from Kalimpong, was arrested on June 16 for his alleged involvement in arson and violence in the hills.
"He was in judicial custody. For the last one month he had complained about problems of the liver and the pancreas. He was admitted to North Bengal Medical College. Last week he was taken to Kolkata and was admitted to SSKM for treatment. Now the actual reason for his death will be known after post mortem," Yadav told PTI over phone.
GJM chief Bimal Gurung alleged that police torture had led to Bhujel's death and that there was delay in his treatment.
Gurung, in an audio message from an undisclosed location urged the people of the Hills to hit the streets in protest and observe a day of mourning.
"Barun was one of the first to be arrested by police. We express our condolences. He gave his life to the fight for Gorkhaland. It was police torture and deliberate negligence in his treatment which ultimately led to his death", Gurung said.
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