NHRC slams Bengal govt over violence, rcccomends CBI probe

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has accused the West Bengal government of "appalling apathy" towards victims of political violence after the March-April elections. The Commission  has recommended a CBI probe into "grievous offences like murder and rape" and said that these cases should be tried outside the state. The report was submitted to the Calcutta high court on July 13.  There were at least 1,934 complaints received at various police stations between May 2 and June 20, including 29 of murder, 12 of rape and sexual assault, and 940 of loot and arson, report noted. Though 9,304 accused were named in the First Information Reports , the police could arrest only 1,345 persons --around 2.8% of the total number of accused. Out of these 1,345 persons arrested, 1,086 are out on bail.

Among its recommendations are setting up of a court-monitored Special Investigation Team, trial in fast track courts, deployment of Central forces, and reforms in police. Chief minister Mamata Banerjee has hit back by saying that the report was misleading and facts were distorted to malign the state after the BJP’s debacle in the recent assembly elections. They are misleading people and distorting facts,” Banerjee said while speaking to media at the state secretariat. She also said: “We will submit our opinion through an affidavit to the court when our turn comes. I am sorry to say that instead of giving the report to the court, they (NHRC) have leaked it. They should have respected the court."