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 2^nd May.

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.