'Install CCTV Cameras, Protect Witnesses': HC Directs in Birbhum Violence Case

At least eight people died in West Bengal's Birbhum after clashes over the alleged murder of a TMC leader.

Charred bodies of eight people were recovered from Rampurhat in Birbhum district after nearly 10-12 houses were set ablaze, the police said.

(Photo: PTI)

In a suo moto case pertaining to the incident of the Rampurhat violence that broke out in West Bengal's Birbhum on Tuesday, The Calcutta High Court on Wednesday, 23 March, according to LiveLaw, directed:

• The state government to immediately install CCTV cameras, covering all angles of the crime scene in the presence of District Judge of Purba Bhurdawan. The cameras must also have adequate storage facilities

• The Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL) to visit the crime scene for collection of all materials necessary for forensic examination.

• Director General and Inspector General of police to ensure that “witness are adequately protected and not threatened or influenced by anyone”. The DG and IG were asked to do this in consultation District Judge, Purba Bhurdawan

• State investigating authorities to file a report before the High Court, with information on the steps undertaken so far during the probe, by 24 March. The report must answer whether the post mortem of victims — which has already been concluded — was recorded on video or not

A bench of Chief Justice Prakash Shrivastava and Justice Rajarshi Bharadwaj heard the matter, which has been listed for further hearing on 24 March.

What Had Happened?

Charred bodies of eight people were recovered from Rampurhat in Birbhum district after nearly 10-12 houses were set ablaze, the police said.

The houses were burnt on Monday night, amid protests over the alleged murder of a leader from the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) named Bhadu Sheikh.

A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been constituted to probe the matter. Eleven people had been arrested in the case so far. The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has also sought a report from the state administration over the incident of violence.

A delegation of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) West Bengal MLAs, led by Suvendu Adhikari, is also expected to visit the site of the massacre today.

"Violence at Rampurhat indicates an alarming situation in West Bengal. Law and order situation is nosediving in the state. Bengal is a laboratory of violation of human rights," West Bengal's Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar said on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday issued a statement urging Governor Dhankhar "to refrain from making unwarranted statements and allow administration to conduct an impartial probe" in the Birbhum violence case.