New Delhi: The National Human Rights Commission Enquiry Committee, which was constituted at the directions of Calcutta High Court to examine into the complaints of incidents related to post-poll violence in West Bengal earlier this year, in its report stated that the situation in the State of West Bengal is a manifestation of “Law of Ruler”, instead of “Rule of Law.” It went on to state that the spate of violence shows a pernicious politico-bureaucratic-criminal nexus, and recommended that grievous offences like murder, rape, etc., should be handed over to CBI for investigation and these cases should be tried outside the State. The other cases should be investigated by a court monitored Special Investigation Team. For adjudication, it recommended fast track courts, Special PP and Witness Protection Scheme.
The recommendations also included ex-gratia payment, compensation for damages, measures for reinstatement and rehabilitation, static pickets of CAPF, protection to women, action against delinquent Government servants, among other things.
It stated that it was important that a Monitoring Committee, headed by a retired judge and having independent officers as observers i each of the affected districts, should be formed to monitor the implementation of the Court orders.
Stating that this violence also attacked some pillars of democracy including Rule of Law, Political Pluralism and Free, fair and secure polling, it said the spatio-temporal expanse of violent incidents in the State of West Bengal reflected the “appalling apathy” of the State Government towards plight of victims. “This was retributive violence by supporters of the ruling party against supporters of the main opposition party. It resulted in disruption of life and livelihood of thousands of people and their economic strangulation. The local Police has been grossly derelict, if not complicit, in this violence,” the report which was submitted on July 12, 2021, stated.
“To compound the problem, violence and intimidation has continued. There is palpalable fear among victims against Police and goons of ruling party. Many displaced persons have not yet been able to return to their homes and resume their normal life and livelihood. There have been several sexual offences but victims are scared to speak out. Loss of faith in State Administration among victims is very evident,” it said.
It stated that an alarming aspect of the violence amplify figuring in public domain was that it evoked no empathy in State Administration in any tangible manner. Neither senior officers nor political leaders condemned the violence, visited the spots, assuaged the victims or did anything substantive to ameliorate the problems. People were left on their own to protect the violation of their human and fundamental rights, including right to life, liberty, dignified living and health.
The Committee further requested that an early decision on its recommendations may be taken by the High Court “because delay would result in continuation of misery of victims, many of whom may compromise with the situation”.
– global bihari bureau
