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Calcutta HC directs setting up of SIT to probe Ekbalpore violence
The Hindu
Court says victims of crime should be promptly and adequately compensated for their loss
The Calcutta High Court on Wednesday directed the setting up of a special investigation team (SIT) of experienced police officers headed by the Commissioner of Kolkata Police to investigate the clashes between two groups at Ekbalpore in the city on Sunday.
A Division Bench of Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Apurba Sinha Roy, taking note of a report by the State that the area is at present peaceful, choose not to pass any order with regard to deployment of Central forces for maintenance of peace and tranquility.
“Special Investigation Team shall conduct the investigation in an effective and efficient manner and take all necessary and prompt steps for preservation and analysis of electronic evidence including video footages of the incident. They shall take prompt measures for apprehension of the miscreants who are responsible for the commission of the offences. In addition to the investigation of the cases, Commissioner of Police [CoP] shall take necessary measures for prevention of similar offences and spread of communal hatred in the area,” the order by the Division Bench said.
The court did not express any opinion on demands of the petitioners that National Investigating Agency be allowed to investigate the matter.
The court while stressing that victims of crime should be promptly and adequately compensated for their loss, directed the State Government to ensure that communal harmony in the area is restored and all ameliorative measures are undertaken to “instil feelings of harmony and fraternity amongst all sections of the society”.
The Bench said a comprehensive report shall be filed by the CoP with regard to the progress in the investigation of the cases; law and order situation in the area; measures taken to prevent similar offences; and steps taken to protect life and property of the victims.
“State Government shall submit a report disclosing the following: – i) Steps taken for compensation and/or rehabilitation of the victims of crime; ii) Measures to restore communal peace and tranquility in the area. Reports shall be filed on the adjourned date,” the order said. The matter will again come up for hearing two weeks after the ongoing Puja vacation.
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