West Bengal post-poll violence victims, who are seeking compensation from the Supreme Court, have filed an affidavit denying a statement by the state government that law and order was restored soon after the Mamata Banerjee-led government took control on May 3, adding that they were still facing “hostile attitude”.
The violence, alleged to be orchestrated by people belonging to the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC), erupted soon after the announcement of assembly poll results on May 2. Several political workers belonging to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) were killed, their houses looted, with allegations of rape and torture also being levelled.
Filing a response on Monday to the state’s affidavit, the petitioners, led by social activist Arun Mukherjee, attached affidavits of victims and copies of their complaints to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).
The West Bengal government’s affidavit previously said that all displaced people referred in the public interest litigation being heard by the apex court were brought back safely to their respective homes with the help of state authorities. It termed the allegations made by the petitioners as “misleading” and “politically motivated”. It also mentioned a three-member committee formed by the high court to look into the issues faced by displaced people.
In response, the affidavit filed by the petitioners said: “The claims made by the respondents (West Bengal government and police) with regard to status of internally displaced persons (IDP) is misleading… Though, after the request of the Governor, West Bengal and relying upon the order of the Calcutta High Court, they (IDPs) went back to their homes but they are facing the vindictive and hostile attitude of the local police, administration and Trinamool Congress (TMC) goons.”
{{/usCountry}}In response, the affidavit filed by the petitioners said: “The claims made by the respondents (West Bengal government and police) with regard to status of internally displaced persons (IDP) is misleading… Though, after the request of the Governor, West Bengal and relying upon the order of the Calcutta High Court, they (IDPs) went back to their homes but they are facing the vindictive and hostile attitude of the local police, administration and Trinamool Congress (TMC) goons.”
{{/usCountry}}The victims said that “pavements to their homes are blocked, houses are being vandalized, ration and other essential items are denied to them by local shopkeepers and marketplaces due to the threat by TMC goons.” They also complained of inability to access health facilities, medicines due to “forced social ostracization” by hooligans in the area.