NHRC recommends CBI probe into Bengal post-poll violence

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Tribune News Service

New Delhi, July 15

The seven-member committee constituted by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in pursuance of order by the Calcutta High Court to look into the complaints of post-poll violence in West Bengal has said in its report that there is “Law of ruler” instead of “Rule of law” in the state and recommended CBI probe into heinous cases.

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New Delhi: A six-member team of TMC MPs on Thursday met the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and his deputies here and requested the officials to urgently hold elections in seven vacant Assembly seats of Bengal. TMC leader Sudip Bandyopadhyay said they were happy with the way the CEC responded to their appeal. “His response has filled us with hope,” he added. TNS

Contents of the committee’s final report, submitted in the High Court on July 13, surfaced on Thursday.

Underscoring the need to provide justice to victims and to restore their confidence in the criminal justice system, the report recommended that all heinous cases, including murder, unnatural deaths, rape and grievous hurt should be transferred to the CBI for investigation.

It further said trial of the cases investigated by the CBI should be held outside West Bengal. The report also recommended a court-monitored special investigation team (SIT) to look into some of the cases of post-poll violence.

Violence was perpetrated by ruling party supporters, the panel found. The next hearing of the case is slated to take place on July 22.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee flayed the NHRC for “disrespecting the court” and pursuing “political vendetta” of the BJP by leaking its report to the media. She also announced she would visit Delhi next week after the commencing of the Parliament session and try to meet the PM and President.