: Emphasising on the “seriousness and sensitivity” of the alleged rape of a 71- year-old nun at a convent in Nadia district of West Bengal, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday decided to hand over the investigation of the case to the CBI.
“Considering the seriousness and sensitivity of the case and the fact that the place where the incident happened is close to the border area, I have decided to entrust the investigation of the case to the CBI,” Ms Banerjee said on a social networking site.
The decision came as a surprise in the political circles as in the past three years and ten months that she has been in power, Ms Banerjee has opposed tooth and nail any demand for a probe by the CBI.
However, according to political parties in the Opposition, Ms Banerjee’s decision to hand over the probe to the CBI is because of growing concern over the nation-wide outrage concerning the incident and as the West Bengal police has failed to make any headway in the case.
“The police administration was instructed to take swift action to nab the culprits. They are making their best efforts,” Ms Banerjee said while announcing a CBI probe in the matter.
Endorsing the CBI probe in the incident, Bengal Urban Development Minister Firhad Hakim spoke of the limitations of the State police.
“It is possible that the criminals have fled to some other State or another country,” he said.
Interestingly, the decision comes after Ms Banerjee faced protests during her visit to Ranaghat on Monday. Locals and students of the school had blocked her convoy demanding a CBI probe to ensure justice to the victim.
On Monday, the Chief Minister had a completely different opinion about those demanding CBI probe.
“Those who are behind this attack they will not be spared. We will take strict action. But those of you who are demanding a CBI probe and trying to save the BJP, I condemn you,” she had told those who blocked her way.
On Wednesday, Ms Banerjee assured cooperation to the CBI. “Our Government will provide all necessary co-operation and assistance to the CBI for investigation in this case,” she had tweeted in the day.
