In a big setback for Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's government, a higher court in Kolkata on Thursday ordered a federal probe into the post-poll violence in the eastern Indian state of West Bengal.
The High Court in Kolkata asked the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to probe the alleged cases of rape and murder following the state's ruling Trinamool Congress party's victory in the assembly elections in April-May.
In July, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) made the recommendation for a federal probe in its report to a five-judge High Court bench. It was asked to investigate the allegations of post-poll violence by the same court only.
In its report, the Commission had accused the Bengal government of turning a blind eye to "grievous offences like murder and rape" allegedly perpetrated by members of Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool Congress on supporters of Bengal's main opposition BJP.
"To compound the problem, violence and intimidation has continued. There is palpable fear among victims against police and goons of the ruling party. Many displaced persons haven't yet been able to return to their homes. There were several sexual offences."
The Bengal Chief Minister had, however, slammed the NHRC for "leaking the report" at the behest of India's ruling BJP. "The BJP is now using impartial agencies to settle political scores and malign our state," she told the media last month.
It may be mentioned here that the Kolkata High Court, on July 2, came down heavily on the Bengal government for the post-poll violence in the state that claimed a number of lives. "The state is in denial mode. The administration has been caught on the wrong foot."
UNB had earlier reported about as many as 16 deaths in post-poll violence in Bengal, which prompted the Indian Home Ministry to seek a report from the state administration.
In fact, on May 6, a day after she was sworn in as the chief minister of Bengal for the third time, Mamata announced a compensation of Rs 200,000 each for the families of 16 people killed in post-poll violence in the state.
"At least 16 persons -- mostly from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Trinamool -- died in post-poll violence. We will pay a compensation of Rs 200,000 to their family members," she had said.
Appealing for calm, Mamata had also asked her supporters not to indulge in any violence. "Bengalis a peace-loving place. During the elections, there has been some heat and dust and calm. The BJP did a lot of torture. But I appeal to all for calm."
Bucking anti-incumbency, Mamata scripted history on May 2 by single-handedly pulling off an astounding victory in the assembly election, staving off a massive challenge from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ruling BJP but also decimated the Left Front.
Bengal had witnessed the most high-profile contest in India's recently held state elections. While Mamata harped on being Bengal's daughter, the BJP asked people to vote for "change and socio-economic development" after 50 years of Communist and Trinamool rule.