Bengal govt opposes CBI probe into Lalgarh firing

West Bengal government today opposed a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the Lalgarh massacre that claimed seven lives as also compensation and told the Calcutta High Court that the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) be allowed to continue the investigation.

Denying that the CID would not be able to properly investigate as alleged by the petitioner, Calcutta High Court Bar Association in a public interest litigation (PIL), the government said in its affidavit that it would make all efforts to ensure that the culprits were punished in accordance with the law.

Not answering directly to the charge of existence of CPI(M) armed camps in the West Medinipur district of West Bengal, the affidavit stated that it would ensure that no camp existed for storing arms and weapons by any political party.

“With regard to 'dismantling' of camps allegedly at the behest of CPI(M) e state government shall ensure so that no camp exists for the purpose of storing arms and weapons by or at the behest of any political party,” the affidavit, signed by state Home Secretary G D Gautama said.