Kolkata, 18 May (H.S.) : The newly formed Bharatiya Janata Party government in West Bengal on Monday announced the formation of two separate inquiry commissions to investigate allegations of institutional corruption and crimes against women and girls in the state.

Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari made the announcement after the second meeting of the state cabinet at Nabanna.

The Chief Minister said both commissions would begin functioning from June 1. The commission constituted to investigate institutional corruption will be headed by retired Justice Biswajit Basu. Senior IPS officer K. Jayaraman, currently serving as Additional Director General of Police (North Bengal), has been appointed as the member secretary of the panel.

The second commission, which will examine cases related to atrocities against women and girls, will be chaired by retired Justice Samapti Chatterjee. IPS officer Damayanti Sen, presently serving as Additional Director General of Police (Armed Force), will function as the member secretary of the commission.

Suvendu Adhikari stated that during the election campaign, the BJP had promised strict action against institutional corruption and crimes against women. He said the formation of these commissions within 10 days of assuming office reflected the government’s commitment to fulfilling those promises.

Alleging widespread corruption in various welfare schemes, construction projects, and public service initiatives implemented by both the Centre and the state, the Chief Minister claimed that government officials, panchayat representatives, councillors, and middlemen had been involved in cut-money practices, bribery, misuse of public funds, and cheating of ordinary citizens.

He said the commission on institutional corruption would receive administrative, technical, and infrastructural support from the Chief Secretary and Home Secretary. Necessary documents and manpower would also be made available to assist the inquiry.

According to the Chief Minister, the commission is expected to begin submitting its preliminary recommendations within 30 days of commencing work. Based on those recommendations, police authorities would register FIRs and initiate action under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

Speaking about the commission on women’s safety, Adhikari said a dedicated portal would be launched to allow victims and complainants to submit grievances once the panel becomes fully operational. Pending cases and previously registered FIRs would also be reviewed.

The Chief Minister further stated that pending recommendations made by bodies such as the National Human Rights Commission, Scheduled Castes Commission, Scheduled Tribes Commission, OBC Commission, Minority Commission, and commissions related to women’s and child rights would also undergo preliminary review.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh