No CBI probe in Bengal nun gang-rape case: Centre

The Centre on Friday rejected the West Bengal government's recommendation for a Central bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the gang-rape of a 71-year-old nun. It said the state police had already made progress in the case.

Sources said the state government's recommendation was received, but the Centre “expressed regret” while not taking up the case, which has evoked anger across the country.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had on March 19 announced that her government had recommended a CBI probe in the case, considering its “seriousness and sensitivity”. She also assured all necessary cooperation and assistance to the CBI probe into this case.

Sources said the Centre was reluctant to give permission for a CBI probe into the case as the state CID had already arrested suspects.

The nun was reportedly gang-raped by dacoits at a Gangnapur school in the Ranaghat subdivision of the Nadia district on March 14, after which a CID probe was ordered into the incident.

The state CID has arrested two persons in connection with the case.
The Union Home Ministry and the National Human Rights Commission had earlier sought reports from the West Bengal government on the incident.