The newly elected Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led West Bengal government has announced the establishment of two separate probe commissions. These commissions, headed by retired judges of the Calcutta High Court, will investigate cases of “institutional corruption” and “crime against women.” The decision was made during the second meeting of the new cabinet, with Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari revealing the development.
Justice Biswajit Basu (retired) of the Calcutta High Court will lead the committee investigating cases of “institutional corruption.” Meanwhile, Justice Samapti Chattopadhyay will head the committee focusing on “crime against women.” These commissions are part of the promises outlined by the BJP in its pre-election Sankalp Patra. The proposals have now been formally approved by the new state cabinet.
The committee on “crime against women” will include senior police officer Damayanti Sen, currently serving as Additional Director General of West Bengal Armed Police. Sen’s responsibilities will mainly involve overseeing the gathering of data and evidence in significant cases related to crimes against women in West Bengal in recent years. Chief Minister Adhikari highlighted the prevalence of corruption in the implementation of various social projects under the previous regime, emphasizing the need for these commissions to address such issues.
Logistical support for the two commissions will be facilitated through the offices of Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Agarwal and Home Secretary Sanghamitra Ghosh. Adhikari expects the commissions to provide their recommendations within 30 days of commencing operations, following which the police will initiate FIRs based on these suggestions. The Chief Minister emphasized that appropriate actions will be taken under the relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.
