Mamata orders CBI probe into nun gang-rape case

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West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who had opposed a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the Saradha chit fund scam, on Wednesday decided to hand over the investigation into the rape of a 71-year-old nun at Ranaghat to the central probe agency, as the state police failed to arrest the perpetrators even after four days.

“The Ranaghat incident of March 14 is a very serious matter. The police administration was instructed to take swift action to nab the culprits. They are making best efforts. Considering the seriousness and sensitivity of the case and also the fact that the place of incidence is very close to the border area, I have decided to entrust the investigation of the case to the CBI,” Banerjee said.

The nun was brutalised by a gang of bandits inside the Convent of Jesus and Mary in Ranaghat, about 75 km from Kolkata, on Saturday. The fact that despite the availability of CCTV footage the state police failed to arrest the attackers has created a furore across the state. Banerjee recently visited Ranaghat but was gheraoed by students and locals. The chief minister alleged that the “heckling” was planned by Communist Party of India (Marxist) and Bharatiya Janata Party activists.

As of now, eight people have reportedly been detained in connection with the case after police officials released CCTV footage of the perpetrators. However, none of the arrested are understood to be perpetrators.

"Our government will provide all necessary co-operation and assistance to the CBI for investigation in this case," Banerjee said.

Beside, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued a notice to the West Bengal government, taking suo motu cognisance of the reports.The commission has observed that the contents of the press report, if true, amount to serious violation of human rights of the victim.

Accordingly, it has issued notices to the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police, West Bengal calling for reports in the matter within two weeks. The matter has been raised in Parliament as well and Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also asked for a report from the state government.