West Bengal CM to reopen Chhoto Angaria and Nandigram cases
Suvendu Adhikari vowed on Saturday to pursue legal action against those involved in the 2001 and 2007 incidents.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced on Saturday that he intends to restart legal proceedings concerning the 2001 Chhoto Angaria massacre and the 2007 Nandigram violence. Speaking at a rally in Garhbeta, Adhikari stated that no person involved in these incidents would be spared, according to reports by Hindustan Times and The Indian Express.
The Chief Minister said he would reopen files against individuals who allegedly travelled from the CPI(M) office in Garhbeta to Nandigram with firearms to carry out 'Suryoday' during the 2007 anti-land acquisition movement. He also directed the West Midnapore SP to locate former CPI(M) leader Tapan Ghosh, stating he wanted to see him in jail.
The Chhoto Angaria incident occurred on January 4, 2001, when at least five AITC supporters were allegedly killed by CPI(M) cadres. In Nandigram, at least 14 villagers died during police firing on March 14, 2007.
Adhikari accused the CPI(M) and the AITC of collaborating to cause unrest in the state. He claimed the two parties have merged to bring back periods of anarchy.
Responding to the remarks, CPI(M) leader Sujan Chakraborty said Adhikari is attempting to make the police act according to his whims rather than following the law. Chakraborty added that if Adhikari has the courage, he should send the leaders to jail.