Darjeeling MP Raju Bista on Monday visited Siliguri to check on Malda North MP and senior tribal leader Sh Khagen Murmu, along with Siliguri MLA Dr Shankar Ghosh, both of whom were assaulted earlier in the day. Bista said that Murmu suffered significant blood loss and both leaders were grievously injured. “In North Bengal, we don’t have a culture of such violence. The North stands united. We won’t be intimidated. We will continue to serve our people,” he said.
Earlier, Bista also visited flood-affected areas in Dangujote and Binnabari Gram Panchayats under Kharibari Block, situated along the Indo-Nepal border near the banks of the Mechi River. Heavy rainfall on the night of October 4–5 caused severe waterlogging and flooding in the area. Over 200 families and more than 50 shops and small businesses were directly affected by the floods.
During his visit, Bista interacted with local residents, shopkeepers, and panchayat representatives to understand the situation and immediate needs of those impacted. He said that relief assistance is being arranged for everyone affected and a community kitchen has been initiated to provide food for flood victims. He has also requested authorities to assess damages and ensure timely aid to households and businesses. 
