The Bench of Justice Biswajit Bose also directed the district Superintendent of Police to submit a report on the investigation’s progress by February 5.
Expressing displeasure over the police probe into the January 27 incident, the High Court asked why those named in the FIR have not been arrested. “The FIR contains names of local political leaders, local panchayat members, head teacher. What about arresting them? They have to be arrested, can you?” the Bench reportedly said.
Last Saturday around 11 am, a mob of around 50 people entered the school premises and attacked the teachers. While the mob alleged that one of the teachers had sexually assaulted a student of the school, the teachers claimed that the headmaster was involved in the attack as a legal case was pending against him over alleged irregularities and corrupt practices.
Hearing a petition seeking inquiry into the incident, the High Court on Tuesday asked police why the headmaster of the school has not been arrested and directed the deputy director and assistant director of the state Education Department to appear in person.
The Bench also said that the previous audit report of the school should be looked into. “If there are any deficiencies, then the court can appoint a new auditor later,” Justice Basu reportedly said and directed the police to arrest the headmaster before the onset of the state Board exams.
The Class X board exams, conducted by the West Bengal Board of Secondary Education, will begin on February 2.
Appearing before the Bench virtually, the district SP said that so far four persons have been arrested in connection with the storming of the school and attack on teachers. “A team led by Deputy SP is looking into the incident. So far, four people have been arrested. We are hopeful of positive results in the next two days,” the SP told the court.
On being informed that the local police station in-charge has been transferred, the High Court told the state Advocate General Kishore Dutta to ensure that the Investigation Officer be allowed to stay for two more days.