The new BJP government in West Bengal has directed the state police to review all cases of political violence that took place in 2021 following the TMC’s victory in the Assembly polls.
The police will also launch a major drive against illegal arms, ammunition, and explosives from May 16.
In a directive issued to all police superintendents and police commissioners of the state, Additional Director General (Law & Order) Ajay Ranade stated that there are “serious complaints” regarding the investigation of the post-poll cases in connection with the 2021 Assembly elections. “The old cases of political violence need to be reviewed for appropriate legal action. The Final Reports submitted in connection with the 2021 post-poll incident cases shall be reviewed carefully, and necessary action shall be taken wherever required,” the directive stated.
“In case there is any lapse in investigation, the cases should be reopened and thoroughly investigated. GDE’s (General Diary Entries) and other information received through petition or otherwise relating to the 2021 post-poll incidents, where specific cases were not registered, shall be reviewed thoroughly. In cases where preliminary enquiry reveals cognizable offence, fresh cases shall be registered, and a report shall be filed with the ADG, CID. The respective police supers or commissioners should monitor such cases regularly, even during trial after submitting the chargesheet,” a senior officer said.
Sources in the administration said that the directive was issued after Ranade and senior police officers met Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari at Nabanna on Monday.
Violence had rocked West Bengal after the 2021 Assembly elections in which the TMC returned to power in the state with a larger mandate. The BJP claims that hundreds of its workers were killed and injured in the violence allegedly carried out by the TMC workers.
At the Monday’s meeting, the chief minister told the police that law and order is the priority for his government.
All the SPs and police commissioners have been directed to conduct an extensive drive for seizure of illegal arms, ammunition, and explosives within their respective jurisdictions from May 16
“They have also been told to submit daily reports to the ADG, CID for compilation,” said a senior police officer.
Meanwhile, the ADG (Law and Order) has asked all the border districts police chiefs to hold meetings for identifying active criminals, border touts, sharing of intelligence inputs, and review of follow-up actions.
The directive also stated that the minutes of the meeting be shared through proper channels with the IG (Inspector General) and IB (Intelligence Branch).
“The border coordination meetings at Police Station level shall be conducted every month, while meetings at SDPO (Sub Divisional Police Officer) level shall be conducted once every three months,” the directive stated.
It also stated that strict action should be taken against “illegal cattle hats/markets, slaughter houses and illegal mining activities” in the area.
“It should be ensured that licenced and legal activities related to mining and cattle trade are conducted smoothly without any interference by local rowdies, touts, or extortionists. Strict enforcement of the provisions relating to the Animal Slaughter Control Act, 2014, shall be ensured by all concerned officers,” a police superintendent from North Bengal said.
The directive also highlighted that traffic management shall be given adequate attention. Special drives shall be conducted by the Traffic Wing/Department and Police Stations for enforcement of mandatory wearing of helmets in accordance with the provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act and relevant Rules.
Meanwhile, in a separate order issued by Chief Secretary Manoj Agarwal, all district magistrates have been told to immediately close illegal toll gates.
‘’All toll gates, drop gates, barricaded structures and operational collection points from which vehicular traffic is operating across all districts of West Bengal, which have not been duly approved/authorised by the competent authority of the Government of West Bengal, shall be closed with an immediate effect,’ the order stated.
Govt acts against corrupt officers
Chief Minister Adhikari on Wednesday said that his government has granted the required CBI sanction to proceed against officials accused in corruption cases.
According to administrative rules, Sanction for Prosecution is required from the concerned state government to file an investigation or chargesheet against a government official. “The outgoing chief minister and home minister (Mamata Banerjee) withheld this permission. As a result, the CBI could not take legal action against many officers despite evidence of corruption. People have a lot of expectations from the new government. Our government will follow a zero-tolerance policy on corruption. No illegal activity will be tolerated,” the CM said.
Potato Export Allowed
From Wednesday, the West Bengal government also lifted the ban on export of potato and other products to other states of the country. The state administration gave orders to reinstate the inter-state movement of agriculture produce. “The Government of West Bengal is committed to enhance the inter-state barrier-free seamless movement of agricultural produce in the interest of consumers, farmers and traders for better marketing opportunity and market demands,” a government notification read.
“It is deemed necessary to facilitate the seamless movement potato, onion, fresh perishables and other essential commodities across state borders to cater market demand, safeguarding interests of producer farmers and market price stabilisation,” it added.