Kolkata: The Calcutta High Court has ordered an NIA (National Investigation Agency) inquiry into disturbances surrounding Ram Navami procession in West Bengal. The police have been directed to hand over all the relevant information and CCTV footage to the Central Investigation Agency within two weeks. A division bench of Acting Chief Justice TS Shivagnam and Justice Hiranmoy Bhattacharya issued the order after hearing a public interest case filed by opposition leader Suvendu Adhikari.
Adhikari had claimed in his petition that the state had given a report on the disturbances surrounding Ram Navami processions in Rishra, Howrah and Islampur, and it was necessary to investigate why such incidents were happening repeatedly with the central agency. The court that had reserved the order yesterday observed that a probe by a central agency was required if an unconnected third party was found to be trying to take advantage of such unrest and joined a clash between two groups.
The court also expressed concern over the recurrence of such incidents and questioned the state's preparedness to deal with similar happenings in the future. The court emphasized the need for a mechanism to put an end to violence during religious functions and to instill fear in those indulging in such acts.
The Additional Solicitor General Ashok Chakraborti, representing the National Investigation Agency (NIA), stated that if directed by the court, the NIA is ready to investigate the incidents that occurred during the Ramnavami procession.
The counsel for Adhikari, a senior BJP leader, had told the court on Wednesday that reports submitted by the state government regarding the incidents of violence do not mention any blasts. The reports detail the progress of the investigation, including arrests made and statements recorded of witnesses and accused persons. The reports stated that swords, firearms, acid, glass bottles, and hockey sticks were used during the clashes, and the internet was restricted in some areas. The lawyer for one of the petitioners also claimed that petrol bombs were hurled during the clashes at Shibpur in Howrah district.
The AG had informed the bench that three companies of CRPF were deployed during the Hanuman Jayanti celebrations on April 6 as per its earlier order. He stated that by and large, Hanuman Jayanti celebrations were peaceful, barring one single incident of alleged guideline violation in Hooghly district. However, the court expressed concern over the recurrence of such incidents and questioned the state's preparedness to handle similar happenings in the future. The court that had reserved its order on Wednesday allowed an NIA investigation into the incidents.
