Calcutta HC hands over all cases of post-poll violence to CBI

The Calcutta High Court has ordered that all cases in the post-poll violence in West Bengal to be handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation. A larger bench of five judges headed by Chief Justice Rajesh Bindal  on Thursday ruled a court-monitored CBI probe into the incidents and setting up of an SIT for investigation with senior officers from West Bengal cadre as a part of the team. A number of petitioners had moved the High court, alleging widespread post-poll violence in the state after the Trinamool Congress’ return to power on May 2. The HC also observed that the West Bengal government cannot blame the Election Commission of India (ECI) for the alleged post-poll violence in the state, The state government's argument that the ECI is responsible for the violence as the police were under it due to the enforcement of the election code till May 3, 2021, deserves to be rejected outrightly
The high court had earlier ordered an inquiry by NHRC to probe accusations of human rights violations during the post-poll violence. In its report, NHRC had indicted Mamata Banerjee government and recommended handing over the investigation in grievous crimes like rape and murder to the CBI. The NHRC had also said that the cases should be tried outside the state. The NHRC committee report said that other cases should be investigated by a court-monitored special investigation team (SIT) and for adjudication, there should be fast track courts, special public prosecutors and a witness protection scheme.
Welcoming the decision, State unit president of BJP Dilip Ghosh said, they want the people to get justice. On the other hand, ruling party Trinamool Congress refused to comment on the issue. Party spokesperson Kunal Ghosh said, the leadership will react after analysing the HC order.BJP  came down heavily on West Bengal's government following Calcutta High Court's verdict to conduct CBI enquiry into the post poll violence in the State.
Briefing media in New Delhi, party spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia while citing the observations of the Court related to violence, killing and crime against women, said, the Mamta Banerjee's government has failed to fulfill its constitutional responsibilities. He alleged that state police were used to shield criminals and fulfill political ambition by the ruling party. He said, BJP is committed to provide justice to the victims in the State. He said, Chief Minister Mamta Banerjee should introspect after this verdict.