The SDF party president, Pawan Chamling, on the attack of their prominent party member, KN Rai, have said that “the use of violence in politics is the threat to democracy of the whole nation.”

In the afternoon of March 1, a disturbing incident unfolded in Majhigaon, Melli, where former speaker and senior leader of the Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) party, KN Rai, along with other party members, was brutally attacked by a group of miscreants. The attack occurred as they were returning from a social visit. Dr. Shivkumar Timsina, among others, also sustained injuries in the assault, who shared the details of the attack.

The victims had visited the family members of late JB Bhujel, a founding member of the SDF party, in Melli Chalisey before proceeding to Majhigaon. As they were walking back to Melli Bazaar on foot, a vehicle carrying six to seven individuals approached them. Without warning, the assailants emerged from the vehicle and launched a vicious assault on KN Rai, Bharat Rai, and Dr. Timsina.

Dr. Timsina recounted the harrowing experience, stating that KN Rai was walking ahead of them when the attackers targeted him and Bharat Rai. After assaulting them, the assailants turned their attention to Dr. Timsina, who was a few hundred feet behind. Despite the distance, he too fell victim to their brutal aggression.

Following the attack, the assailants fled towards Kerabari area, leaving behind a critically injured KN Rai. Dr. Timsina, along with other members, rushed to assist KN Rai and promptly proceeded to lodge a First Information Report (FIR) at Melli Police Station, which according to the police has been registered under the case number 1/2024, dated 1st March, under various sections of IPC.

I strongly condemn the unpleasant and anti-social act of assault on former Speaker Shri KN Rai in Melli, Namchi district today. Shri KN Rai, a respected politician and senior citizen, should never have been subjected to such mistreatment.
Strong actions against the perpetrators will be initiated, ensuring justice for the victim. Our state thrives on peace and harmony, and such despicable acts will not be tolerated.
I urge everyone to uphold peace, unity, and tranquillity, rejecting violence and strife. PS Tamang, Sikkim Chief Minister on March 01.

The incident sparked a widespread outrage and condemnation across Sikkim. Leaders, supporters, and individuals from various political parties and organizations gathered in Melli Bazaar, Namchi District, on March 02 to protest and demand justice for KN Rai and the other victims. The crowd expressed concerns over the escalating crime rate and called for swift action against the perpetrators.

Skkim Police have assured the public that they diligently pursued the case and committed themselves to apprehend the perpetrators. The perpetrators were arrested within a day’s period by Sikkim Police from around the areas of Melli. Among the arrested were; Jeten Rai, Laxman Rai, David Rai, Aawhan Tamang, Karan Tamang, Soraj Thapa, and Joel Rai. The police have said that the arrested were from Melli area and were registered under non-bailable sections of IPC; The charges pressed against them include Sections 307 (attempted murder), 341 (wrongful restraint), section 324 (causing grievous hurt with dangerous weapons), section 427 (mischief causing damage), and section 34 (acts done by multiple individuals with a common intention). Superintendent of Police Namchi District, Dr. TN Gyasto, is supervising the investigation.

The unlawful attack on KN Rai and his companions has shaken the community, prompting calls for solidarity against hate crimes and a renewed commitment to maintain peace and security in Sikkim from all the sections of the society and political parties.

Currently, the injured victim, KN Rai, (who was suffering from terminal illness) has been referred from Neotia Siliguri to Delhi Hospital for treatment.