'Even if they are hiding in depths of hell': Suvendu directs CID to ensure speedy custodial trial in alleged murder of BJP worker

Suvendu Adhikari with deceased BJP worker’s family (PTI)

NEW DELHI: West Bengal chief minister and BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari on Saturday directed the state Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to ensure a speedy custodial trial into the alleged murder of BJP worker Prashanta Dey.Adhikari paid tribute to Dey at the deceased BJP worker’s residence in Howrah’s Bagnan and met his bereaved family. He subsuequently chaired a high-level review meeting at the local police station with senior police and civil administration officials, including the IG, DIG, SP, and the district magistrate.

Later, the chief minister addressed reporters and announced that 10 of the 51 people named in the FIR had been arrested so far, directing the CID to trace the remaining accused.”I have directed the CID, in no ambiguous terms, to find the remaining 41 accused, even if they are hiding in the depths of hell. The chargesheet must be filed while the suspects are in custody, and a custody trial must be initiated. Once convicted, they must be punished as per provisions of the BNS (Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita),” Adhikari said.He also noted that a 10-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the CID is handling the probe and stated he would appoint a Special Public Prosecutor to ensure maximum punishment for the guilty.“Criminals have gained courage to act with impunity since they were never appropriately punished. Unlike the rule under the previous regime in the state, we have established the rule of law. The murderers will be swiftly brought to justice with exemplary punishment so that such crimes are not repeated in future,” the BJP leader asserted, targeting the previous Trinamool Congress (TMC) government.TMC was voted out in the April assembly elections, ending its 15 years in power in West Bengal. The victorious BJP formed its first government in the state, with Adhikari, a former Trinamool member, taking over as chief minister.Meanwhile, the CM also announced financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh for Dey’s family—over and above the Rs 4 lakh already provided by the district administration—and a contractual government job for the sister of the deceased.Dey (39), the vice-president of BJP’s Booth 197 under Bagnan Mandal-5, was allegedly beaten to death by local TMC miscreants on June 17 following post-poll clashes between the two camps. His family alleged that he was attacked while on his way to attend a social function.The victim sustained severe head trauma and was declared dead on arrival at Bagnan Rural Hospital, while three other BJP workers suffered critical injuries.Family members of the deceased claimed that the prime accused in the case, local Trinamool leader Mafizul Rahman, was among those still at large.“I have also asked the DM to prepare a fact-finding report on the illegal activities these miscreants were involved in, including forceful land grabs and unauthorised property constructions from ill-gotten money. I have been assured that lawful action will be taken against them on those counts as well,” Adhikari said.“These criminals have for a long time escaped the law because of vote bank politics and religious considerations,” he added.(with PTI inputs)