WB post-poll violence: HC orders registering of all cases, extends NHRC investigation till July 13

It also directed the state government to ensure medical treatment for all victims

The Calcutta High Court on Friday instructed the state police to register cases in all matters of post-poll violence which have either been reported to it or placed before the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) or any other authority or commission.

The order issued by a five-judge bench led by acting Chief Justice Rajesh Bindal also instructed the State Government to make “all arrangements” of medical treatment of those who sustained injuries in violence after the Assembly elections. It asked the State Government to ensure the supply of rations to the affected persons, even if they have lost their ration cards.

“The police is directed to register cases in all matters which have either been reported to it or have been placed before the NHRC or any other authority/ commission. Steps be taken to get the statements of the victims recorded under section 164 CrPC immediately, as per law,” stated the order.

The bench instructed the State Government to provide the NHRC committee “complete details” of the cases where the accused were arrested and were granted bail by the courts to ensure that the committee can place the same before the High Court.

The High Court issued a show-cause notice to Rashid Munir Khan, Deputy Commissioner of Kolkata Police, South Suburban Division as to why proceedings for contempt will not be initiated against him for violation of the High Court’s order on June 18, 2021.

The order stated that it was mentioned in the interim report filed by the NHRC committee that a committee member Atif Rasheed was obstructed from discharging his duties in the Jadavpur area where he and his team members were attacked by “certain goons” in Jadavpur on June 29, 2021, and no police protection was provided to them. Jadavpur comes under the South Suburban Division.

“No police protection was given to them even though prior notice was given to the District Magistrate and local police,” stated the order.

“From a perusal of the report prima facie stand taken by the petitioners is established that there had been post-poll violence and the state was found on a wrong foot, where throughout it was on a denial mode,” stated the order.