West Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar on Wednesday, 23 March, accused Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of "adopting diversionary tactics" and shielding those guilty in the incidence of violence recorded in the Birbhum district of the state.
In a harshly-worded letter to Banerjee, Dhankhar said:
"This is a ruse to shield the guilty of the ghastly crime. Already enough is in circulation about perpetrators of this savagery. Further, your assurance that "investigation will make all-out efforts to unearth all those who are behind the occurrence of the incident" is a far cry from reality."
"Nothing can be more farcical than your claim "our state is always peaceful, barring a few sporadic incidents"," Dhankar asserted in the letter.
The governor also cast suspicion on the Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted to probe the violence in Birbhum, saying that the police team was a "cover up operation" and had "no credibility."
The letter from the governor comes a day after Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee issued a statement on Tuesday urging Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar "to refrain from making unwarranted statements and allow administration to conduct an impartial probe" in the Birbhum violence case.
Charred bodies of eight people were recovered on Tuesday from a village in Birbhum district after nearly 10-12 houses were set ablaze. The houses were set on fire amid protests over the alleged murder of a leader from the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) named Bhadu Sheikh.
What Did Mamata Banerjee Say?
In a letter addressed to the governor, CM Banerjee had said on Tuesday:
"Whenever such incident takes place, it is highly improper to make sweeping and uncalled for statement instead of paving the way for impartial investigation. However, you have commented on your tweet that the horrifying violence and arson, indicated that the State is under a grip of violence and lawlessness [sic]."
She had added, "This is highly unfortunate and unbecoming of a person holding such a dignified constitutional post."
"Your statements have political overtones, which provide support to other political parties," the CM wrote in her letter.
Dhankhar had earlier condemned the incident and tweeted that human rights had been decimated in the state.
He tweeted, "Horrifying violence and arson orgy #Rampurhat #Birbhum indicates state is in grip of violence culture and lawlessness. Already eight lives lost [sic]."
Law & Order Taking a Nosedive in Bengal: Governor
Dhankhar had said that he sought an urgent update on the incident from the chief secretary.
He had also said, "Violence at Rampurhat indicates an alarming situation in West Bengal. Law and order situation is nosediving in the state. Bengal is a laboratory of violation of human rights. I want to cooperate with government provided lawful procedure takes place."
BJP Demands Banerjee's Resignation
BJP MLA and Leader of the Opposition in the state Suvendhu Adhikari alleged that there was a "freefall" of law and order in the state.
Meanwhile, BJP leader Sukanta Majumdar said that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee should be held accountable for the violence and should resign from her post.
He said, "Union Home Min Amit Shah has assured us that he will seek a report of Birbhum incident in 72 hours, post which a team will go there to review law and order situation. Mamata Banerjee should be held accountable, she's the CM. She should resign from her post [sic]."
The state's BJP MPs sought Home Minister Amit Shah's intervention on the "deteriorating law and order situation in WB," as per ANI.
The MPs had stated in a letter to Shah, "The increasing use of explosives and firearms, points towards terrorists being actively used by TMC to settle political scores, and to spread terror among the common citizens. Sir, we humbly request you to take cognizance of the rapidly deteriorating law and order situation in the state, and take appropriate action as required to bring this spate of violence under control."
'Larger Conspiracy To Disturb Peace in Bengal': TMC
Adhikari also called for the Centre's intervention in the case, as per ANI. He said, "Law and order situation across West Bengal is grave. 26 murders have taken place in last one week in different parts of the state. Center should intervene and use Article 356 (President's Rule) or Article 355 to take the situation in their control in Bengal."
However, Kunal Ghosh, state general secretary of the TMC said that there was a larger conspiracy to disturb the peace in the party and the state. He said, "The village (Rampurhat) didn't have a history of political tensions. We suspect it to be a larger conspiracy to disturb TMC and Bengal. Those rejected by people are doing dead-body politics. They murdered our leader and created tension."
West Bengal Director General of Police (DGP) Manoj Malviya said that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) had been constituted to probe the case.
'SIT of No Use': Congress' Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury
Congress leader and MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, meanwhile, alleged that an SIT was "of no use." He said that he would meet President Ram Nath Kovind and suggest implementing Article 355 in the state, reported ANI.
"SIT is of no use. I will meet President of India over Birbhum incident, will suggest him to consider (imposing) Article 355 in the state. Law and order situation getting worse worse, people feel unsafe in Bengal," he said.
(With inputs from ANI.)
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