West Bengal Tourism Minister Goutam Deb with his security guards at the gates of Panighata in Darjeeling district on Wednesday. Photo: Express
West Bengal Tourism Minister Goutam Deb with his security guards at the gates of Panighata in Darjeeling district on Wednesday. Photo: Express

A car carrying West Bengal Tourism Minister Gautam Deb was attacked by stone-throwing protesters near Mirik on Thursday, the 29th day of the Gorkhaland bandh (general strike), according to media reports.

The minister was returning from a function when his car was blocked by protesters, said police, who added that they threw stones at the vehicle and some rushed towards it brandishing khukuris,  the traditional knife used by Gorkhas.

Meanwhile, on Wednesday night, protesters torched government properties in Darjeeling, the Hindustan Times reported.