The Government of West Bengal has constituted two inquiry commissions to investigate institutional corruption and atrocities against women, in line with the election promises made by the Bharatiya Janata Party. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced the formation of the two commissions today, following approval from the state cabinet.
Biswajit Basu, a retired Justice of the Calcutta High Court, will serve as the Chairman of the commission investigating institutional corruption. Senior IPS officer (ADG level) K. Jayaraman will be the member secretary of this commission. On the other hand, Justice (retired) Samapti Chatterjee of the Calcutta High Court will head the commission formed to investigate atrocities against women under the erstwhile Mamata Banerjee-led government. Senior IPS officer (ADG level) Damayanti Sen will be the member secretary of this commission.
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari informed the media today that both commissions will begin their work on June 1st. He stated that past cases involving institutional corruption and atrocities against women will be thoroughly investigated, and members of the public will be able to submit their testimonies.
The investigation into institutional corruption will cover all government departments, including panchayats. Reports of corruption within Zila Parishads will also be thoroughly scrutinized.
Regarding atrocities against women, past reports from the National Human Rights Commission, the SC, ST, and OBC commissions, and other related bodies will be reopened. Furthermore, members of the commission will visit police stations and various locations across West Bengal as part of their probe. If necessary old cases will be reopened. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has expressed hope that the Commissions may be able to submit their reports after 30 days.
