Bengal Panchayat Polls: Calcutta HC Orders CBI Probe as Violence Intensifies

Kolkata: The Calcutta High Court has directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to conduct an investigation into the violent incidents related to the submission of nominations for the upcoming West Bengal panchayat elections. The court has set a deadline for the CBI to submit its report by July 7.

Despite the court order, the state continues to witness a series of violent episodes leading up to the Panchayat election. In the latest incident on June 20, an unruly mob allegedly vandalized and set fire to a shop and a house in the Muribasti area, following the alleged murder of a local villager.

In response to the escalating violence, the local administration has deployed heavy police forces in the Hatighisa village of Naxal Bari.

Tragically, a CPI(M) worker succumbed to his injuries on Wednesday in Siliguri. He had been injured during a clash in North Dinajpur district on June 15, the last day for nomination filing. The 23-year-old activist had suffered a bullet injury and was allegedly beaten with sticks. CPI(M) leader Sujan Chakraborty expressed sorrow over the loss and demanded swift action against the culprits.

Opposition parties in West Bengal have accused Trinamool Congress activists of resorting to violence and intimidation against their candidates and supporters. On the other hand, the ruling party has blamed the opposition for clashes that occurred during the nomination filing and withdrawal period.

The Panchayat elections, which will determine representatives for around 75,000 seats in the three-tier Panchayati Raj system, are scheduled to take place on July 8.