NCPCR chief claims assault by cops during Kolkata visit

Police, however, rubbished Kanoongo's allegation

National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) chairperson Priyank Kanoongo, who came to West Bengal to inquire about two cases—the alleged murder of a minor girl and the gang-rape of a schoolgirl—seemingly had an inhospitable experience.

On Friday, he was allegedly manhandled at a police station in Kolkata, and on Saturday, he had a spat with the state child rights protection commission chairperson.

He claimed that the West Bengal Commission for Protection of Child Rights (WBCPCR) was obstructing his inquiry.

On Saturday, Kanoongo was in Malda to inquire the alleged gang-rape case of the minor girl.

Also Read | Bengal violence under control; Trinamool, BJP trade barbs

After reaching the survivor’s house, Kanoongo found that the state commission’s chairperson Sudeshna Roy was also present there.

The two chiefs had a heated exchange of words. The state chief said that both commissions are supposed to work together. However, Kanoongo said that the state commission was supposed to be there 10 days ago. Roy alleged that the national chief had behaved badly.

Speaking to reporters, Kanoongo said that the district administration appeared to be helpless. He had informed the state’s chief secretary, and the home secretary, of the visit and the inquiry.

He alleged that they do not want an independent probe to take place, and intend to hide something or the other, and they don’t want NCPCR to talk to the survivor.

Meanwhile, the BJP and Trinamool supporters at the spot confronted each other.

On Friday, Kanoongo had alleged that a police officer at Tiljala police station in Kolkata had manhandled him, after he protested against being recorded on video. The police officer concerned has been transferred.