No evidence of rape against cops in Nandigram, says official

KOLKATA: No evidence of rape has been established against any police personnel during the Nandigram violence, a top West Bengal government official said on Wednesday.

Chief Secretary AK Deb said that as per medical and police reports, there was no evidence of rape against any police personnel at Nandigram.

He quoted reports of East Midnapore Superintendent of Police GA Srinivas and Tamluk hospital Medical Officer Benoy Krishna Roy that there was no evidence of rape as alleged by a woman during the recent disturbances that reached a flashpoint on March 14 when police firing claimed 14 lives.

He said the state Human Rights Commission had been apprised by the government that an inquiry into the alleged rape was on after it sought a report.

Deb, however, said that inquiry was still continuing.

To a question, the Chief Secretary said that both the CID and the Executive inquiries were being delayed due to the prevailing situation at Nandigram and the dug up roads.

Meanwhile, Home Secretary PR Roy said the administration would make another move to organise another all-party meeting to restore peace at Nandigram.

"We are making preparations for an all-party meeting at the local level," Roy said after a fourth meeting at Nandigram failed on Tuesday.

Tuesday's meeting failed to take off when local leaders and activists of BJP vandalised furniture at the BDO's office, the venue, and raised anti-governmenbt slogans.