Alleged Post-Poll Violence In West Bengal: NHRC Takes Suo Moto Cognizance, Fact-Finding Team To Conduct Spot Enquiry

Taking note of several media reports published in various newspapers on May 4, 2021, regarding the death of some persons in the alleged Post-poll violence in West Bengal on May 3, 2021, the National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, India today took Suo Moto Cognizance of the matter. In its press release, the NHRC has observed thus:"The political workers allegedly clashed with each other, party offices were torched down and some homes were ransacked & valuables also looted. District Administration & local Law & order enforcement agencies appear not to have acted to stop such violation of human rights of the affected persons."Therefore, considering as a fit case of the alleged violation of the Right to Life of the innocent citizens, the Commission has taken suo-motu cognizance of the matter and has requested its DIG (Investigation) to constitute a team of the officers of the Investigation Division of the Commission to conduct an on the spot fact-finding investigation.The team has been asked to submit a report at the earliest, preferably within two weeks.In related news, BJP leader and Senior Advocate Gaurav Bhatia has moved the Supreme Court seeking an inquiry by the Central Bureau of Investigation into the violence that has erupted across West Bengal post the election results on 2nd May.Apart from seeking an inquiry and investigation into the "instances of rampant violence, murders and rapes that have been carried out by workers of TMC across the State of West Bengal", the Application also seeks directions to the State to "file a detailed status report qua the FIRs registered, arrests made and steps taken by it against the perpetrators of the crimes mentioned in the instant application".Also, Indic Collective Trust has moved the Supreme Court seeking a declaration that the Constitutional machinery in the State of West Bengal has broken down and to institute President's Rule under Article 356 in the State.Settled by Advocate J. Sai Deepak and filed by Advocate Suvidutt M.S., the plea furthers seeks directions to the Central Government to deploy central protection forces, including armed forces, for the restoration of law and order in the State of West Bengal. It also prays for the constitution of a Special Investigation Team (SIT), headed by a retired Supreme Court Judge to look into the involvement of politicians, if any, in the targeted pogrom in the State.

Alleged Post-Poll Violence In West Bengal: NHRC Takes Suo Moto Cognizance, Fact-Finding Team To Conduct Spot Enquiry

Sparsh Upadhyay

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