Kolkata, 13 May (H.S.) : The West Bengal government led by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has directed a fresh review and reopening of cases related to the post-poll violence that took place after the 2021 Assembly elections, according to official sources.

A senior state official said on Wednesday that instructions have been issued to all concerned police authorities to re-examine the handling of these cases and initiate corrective legal action where required.

The government order reportedly noted that serious complaints had been received regarding the investigation of post-election violence cases. It directed a comprehensive review of “political violence cases registered in your jurisdiction after the 2021 Assembly elections” to ensure appropriate legal action.

Officials have been asked to carefully scrutinise final reports filed in these cases. Where any lapse or negligence in investigation is found, the cases are to be reopened for a detailed probe.

The order also provides that in cases where no FIR was initially registered but cognisable offences emerge during preliminary scrutiny, fresh cases may be initiated.

Superintendents of Police and Commissioners of Police across districts have been instructed to personally monitor the entire process. The directive further emphasises regular supervision of trials after charge sheets are filed.

Notably, widespread violence had been reported in several parts of the state following the 2021 Assembly elections, in which the Trinamool Congress secured victory while the Bharatiya Janata Party emerged as the principal opposition with 77 seats, a sharp rise from its tally of three seats in 2016.

Allegations during the post-poll period included murder, rape, arson, vandalism, and attacks on BJP workers and their families.

Several of these cases later reached the Calcutta High Court, which had directed the Central Bureau of Investigation to probe serious offences such as murder and sexual assault.

Many of these cases remain pending, with victims still awaiting justice. Following the change in government, the administration has now initiated a process to revisit and review such cases.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh