Govt will punish corruption, says Suvendu

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Friday appealed to people not to take the law into their own hands, asserting that his Government would act firmly against criminals and corrupt individuals.

Speaking to reporters at the state secretariat, he said public anger against corruption was understandable, but people should allow law enforcement agencies to perform their duties.

“I appeal to people not to barge into anyone’s residence or take the law into their own hands. The administration is taking all necessary and strict measures against corruption,” he said.

“The change in Government was brought about to establish the rule of law. People should have faith in the legal process,” the chief minister added.

Adhikari’s remarks came against the backdrop of the killing of BJP supporter Prasanta Dey in Howrah district’s Bagnan area, where tensions flared after villagers allegedly confronted local panchayat functionaries over corruption charges. Referring to the incident, the chief minister said an FIR had been lodged against the deputy head of a village panchayat and others on murder charges. Adhikari said the injured were undergoing treatment at SSKM Hospital and that eight people have been arrested based on a complaint lodged by Dey’s wife. The panchayat is ruled by the TMC. “People had lodged a complaint against the deputy head of the panchayat over corruption charges. Police could have been given some more time to probe that.

“But people went to his house demanding the return of money allegedly taken from them on the promise of securing benefits under various Government schemes, including a housing scheme. Thereafter, his associates and relatives allegedly attacked villagers, resulting in one death and serious injuries to five others,” he said. The chief minister said the state Government handed over a cheque of Rs 4 lakh to the deceased’s family on Friday.

“After formally lodging complaints against corrupt people and their activities, citizens can have faith in the police and the administration. We will take stringent action against the guilty in accordance with the law,” Adhikari said.

He said law enforcement agencies had already demonstrated their ability to track down accused persons across State boundaries.

“We have arrested a former MLA. The STF and Hooghly Police brought him back from Karnataka. There is no need for people to form groups and go to the homes of accused persons.

“If required, police will take the help of the CID and inter-state agencies. The STF has modern investigative tools and will act wherever evidence exists. This is not a political vendetta; that is not how a Government functions,” he said.

Adhikari said his Government had adopted a “zero-tolerance” policy towards corruption and violent crimes.

“Non-bailable sections have been invoked, and all eight arrested persons in the Bagnan case have been sent to police custody. Charges relating to homicide have also been added,” he said.

Announcing further measures, the chief minister said the case would be transferred to the CID for a detailed probe.

“I am transferring this case to the CID for investigation. I have also decided to provide an additional compensation of Rs 5 lakh to the family from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund.

“If the victim’s wife is willing to work, the Government will explore ways to support her employment. I will personally speak to her,” he said.

Adhikari also said the Government would seek the maximum punishment permissible under law for those found guilty in the case.

The chief minister acknowledged the growing public resentment against corruption, noting that in several recent instances, people had hurled rotten eggs at leaders while they were being escorted by police after their arrests.

Referring to the June 16 Falta incident in South 24 Parganas district, where a group of villagers attempted to storm the police station and free jailed TMC leader Jahangir Khan, he said three cases had been registered and stringent charges invoked against those accused of attacking security forces.

“The accused will not only face exemplary punishment, but the Government will also move to attach their properties and recover the losses,” Adhikari said.

The chief minister said 25 people had been put under arrest so far in connection with the Falta violence, including 12 who were in police custody and 13 in judicial custody.

“Those seen in videos circulating on social media are being identified, and action will be taken against them in accordance with the law,” he said.

Describing the incident as a direct challenge to state authority, Adhikari said attacks on police stations would not be tolerated.

“An attack on a police station is an attack on the authority of the state. Such acts will not be tolerated. Those responsible must face the strictest punishment permissible under law,” he said.

Adhikari also said the state Government was planning to introduce stricter legal measures during the ongoing Budget Session to deter people from taking the law into their own hands.

“Everything will take place as per the law, not as per my will and wish,” Adhikari said and alleged that existing legal provisions had not been adequately enforced during the previous regime.

“The law was in cold storage. We are bringing it out and activating it. The Home Department is bringing in more stringent laws in this Budget Session. With such laws in place, people will think five times before taking the law into their own hands,” he said.