CBI to handle Nadia nun gang rape investigation
“Police are making their best efforts. Considering the fact that the place is very close to border area, I have decided to entrust the case to the CBI.”
Banerjee’s turnaround appeared to have been precipitated by intense speculation by state detectives that the culprits had fled to Bangladesh through a porous border, merely 50 km away from Ranaghat.
The convent is just a 10-minute walk from Ranaghat station and detectives told HT it was likely the suspects took a morning train to the border and crossed over.
“The culprits have probably crossed the border or moved to other states, and in such cases the state police have limitations. So, the decision was taken to refer the investigation to the CBI,” said Firhad Hakim, Bengal urban development minister.
The opposition welcomed the move with state Congress president Adhir Chowdhury saying by handing over the probe, the CM had accepted her administration’s failure.
“We are happy. People who are seeking justice will also be very happy,” said Babul Supriyo, BJP MP from Asansol and minister of state for urban development.
Earlier in the day, the president of the Catholic Bishops Conference of India, Baselios Cardinal Cleemis, visited Ranaghat and asked authorities to ensure justice. “The sisters have forgiven but justice (should) be made visible and such acts should not happen again,” he told reporters. The consul general of Italy in Kolkata, Cesare Bieller, also visited the city.
With anger mounting among the locals, the state government has been under intense pressure to nab the culprits. Criticism of the state police has been more acute owing to CCTV footage of four suspects – captured by cameras in the convent – being aired repeatedly by television channels. Hundreds of protesters blocked Banerjee’s convoy on Monday when she was returning after visiting the victim, demanding swift justice.
The incident is also the latest in a string of attacks across the country on churches and Catholic schools, prompting Prime Minister Narendra Modi to express deep concern and ask for a report.