Click to play videoKolkata: In a big embarrassment for the CPM, the molestation charges levelled by two women in Nandigram against CRPF DIG Alok Raj on the eve of the first phase of panchayat polls in West Bengal has been found baseless.
While Raj stands vindicated, the CPM is searching for ways to hide its discomfiture. Party leader Ashok Bera reasoned, “We have been beaten up, our womenfolk have been molested by the CRPF. We filed complaint. If the complaint gets dismissed, then we have nothing to do.”
Investigations by CNN-IBN on the day of polls have revealed that though there were allegations of CRPF excesses. However, as far as molestation charges were concerned, complainants had pointed fingers at Trinamool activists. It was local CPM leaders who extended the blame to the CRPF.
Taking a stern view of the incident, West Bengal Home Secretary Ashok Mohan Chakraborty said, “These are serious charges. We believe such charges should not be levelled loosely.”
The state government has also dropped charges of manhandling CRPF women jawans filed against the state police in Nandigram.
Helping maintain a cordial relation between the state police and the CRPF is a priority for the Bengal government. That's not only because it was Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee who wanted CRPF presence in Nandigram in November last year, but also because only a healthy understanding between the two security groups can ensure sustained peace in Bengal's battlefield.
(With inputs from Utpal Adhikary)
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