Massive manhunt for Gurung in Darjeeling hills: Police

Gurung has been evading arrest since August when cases were lodged against him under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act for his alleged involvement in several bomb blasts in Darjeeling hills and adjoining areas.

A fresh FIR was lodged against him earlier this month for his alleged involvement in the death of a police sub- inspector, who was killed during an exchange of fire with alleged Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) supporters on October 13.

"Combing operations in the hills are on. We are keeping a track on the movements of some of the suspects who are in touch with Bimal Gurung and his close associates who are absconding," a senior police official said.

Police are also keeping a close watch on the movements of senior GJM leaders.

The exchange of fire between police and Gurung's supporters on October 13 in which the sub-inspector was killed was the first incident of violence after the 104-day indefinite shutdown in the hills was called off on September 26 by the GJM supremo following an appeal from Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh.