Bengal names 10 IPS officers to assist SIT probe into poll clashes

KOLKATA: The West Bengal government has appointed 10 IPS officers to assist a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe allegations of arson and loot during the alleged post-poll violence in May, as mandated by the Calcutta high court last month, people familiar with the development said on Thursday.

“There will be five zones – north, west, south, Kolkata, and headquarters. There will be two IPS officers in each zone to assist the SIT,” a top officer said on condition of anonymity.

The appointment of the 10 IPS officers for the SIT probe came two days after the high court was informed that the state government was yet to initiate any probe in the matter, even as the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested two persons and registered 34 first information reports (FIRs) so far.

The central agency, as directed by the high court, is probing serious allegations of murder, attempt to murder and rape during the period.

On Wednesday, the state government moved the Supreme Court against the HC order that came on the basis of recommendations by a National Human Rights Commission panel.

In its special leave petition, the state government questioned the fairness and independence of

CBI, contending the agency was acting at the behest of the Union government and was targeting leaders and workers of the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC).

Meanwhile, an officer of Sonarpur police station in South 24 Parganas district on Thursday was questioned in connection with the murder of a Bharatiya Janata Party worker soon after the election results were declared on May 2.