Arson kills 8 in Bengal's Birbhum: Centre seeks report, state forms SIT | Top Points
-
Loading... - Kiaan mahajan
- 23 Mar 2022
- 376 Views
- 1 Like
- 2 Comment
The murder of a political leader that allegedly led to arson in West Bengal’s Birbhum district has triggered a political firestorm in the state. At least eight people were charred in the blaze, police officials said.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, acrimony and accusations ruled the discourse in West Bengal’s corridors of power, as the opposition BJP flayed the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) for “lawlessness” and “retributive violence”, and the latter denying any involvement in the incident.
Calls for the imposition of President’s Rule in the state were met with firm pushback by the TMC, which termed the demands as conspiracy to malign it.
Amid the inter-party squabbling, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee locked horns with Governor Jagdeep Dhankar after the latter shot off a strongly-worded tweet that the TMC supremo found “unwarranted” due to its “political overtones”.
HERE ARE THE TOP DEVELOPMENTS IN THE BENGAL ARSON CASE:
1. Nearly a dozen houses were set ablaze in Rampurhat village in Bengal’s Birbhum district on Tuesday, killing at least eight people, including two children. The incident took place soon after the alleged murder of TMC panchayat leader Bhadu Pradhan, who was attacked with crude bombs by unknown assailants the day before.2. Bengal DGP Manoj Malaviya, however, did not confirm the arson as "political violence". “The cause of fire is being investigated but if it is in retaliation, then it is due to personal enmity,” Malviya said.
3. The state government formed a three-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by ADG (CID) Gyanwant Singh to probe the matter. The TMC has sent a team of three MLAs headed by Minister Firhad Hakim to Rampurhat to assess the situation.
4. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) sought a report on the arson incident within 72 hours. Joint Secretary-level officers of the MHA will visit West Bengal soon, state BJP chief Sukanta Majumdar said after meeting Home Minister Amit Shah. Majumdar also called for the immediate resignation of CM Mamata Banerjee.
5. West Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankar extended his condolences to the families of victims and tweeted: "Horrifying violence and arson orgy #Rampurhat #Birbhum indicates state is in grip of violence culture and lawlessness. Already eight lives lost. Have sought urgent update on the incident from Chief Secretary. My thoughts are with the families of the bereaved."
6. Following his tweet, Mamata Banerjee sent Dhankar a letter in which she urged him to refrain from making sweeping and unwarranted statements laden with political overtones about the arson incident. “It pains me that you have chosen an unfortunate incident in Rampurhat to pass sweeping, uncalled for comments on law and order situation in the state. This incident is unfortunate," she said.
7. Leader of the opposition Suvendu Adhikari demanded imposition of President's Rule in the state. He also sought a CBI probe in the matter. "The lawless situation in the state proves imposition of President's Rule is the only way to protect the state. Our delegation will visit the area tomorrow. We will also meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah over the issue," he said.
8. The demand was echoed by Bengal Congress president Adhir Chowdhury, who claimed that the situation in the state has been deteriorating and it's ideal for the imposition of Article 355 of the Constitution. On the other hand, CPI(M) state secretary Mohammed Salim said that Mamata Banerjee will have to take responsibility for the deaths. Read More...
DEBDUT BHADURI
vhDEBDUT BHADURI
good