Kolkata
Two Inquiry Commissions Formed by West Bengal Cabinet
The Government of West Bengal has constituted two inquiry commissions to investigate alleged institutional corruption and atrocities against women under the previous administration.
The Government of West Bengal has announced the formation of two inquiry commissions to investigate alleged institutional corruption and atrocities against women, following approval by the state cabinet. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said the move was in line with commitments made by the Bharatiya Janata Party during the Assembly election campaign.
According to the announcement, retired Biswajit Basu will chair the commission investigating institutional corruption. Senior IPS officer K Jayaraman, holding the rank of Additional Director General, will serve as the member secretary of the commission.
Meanwhile, retired Samapti Chatterjee will head the commission tasked with investigating alleged atrocities against women during the previous government led by Mamata Banerjee. Senior IPS officer Damayanti Sen will serve as the member secretary of the second commission.
Chief Minister Adhikari said both commissions are scheduled to begin functioning from June 1. He stated that the panels would examine past allegations related to corruption and crimes against women and would allow members of the public to submit testimonies and evidence.
According to officials, the institutional corruption inquiry will cover all government departments, including panchayats and district-level bodies such as Zila Parishads.
The commission investigating crimes against women will also review previous reports submitted by bodies including the National Human Rights Commission and commissions related to SC, ST, and OBC issues.
Officials said commission members may visit police stations and other locations across the state as part of the investigation process. The chief minister added that previously closed cases could also be reopened if required during the inquiry. Adhikari expressed hope that both commissions may be able to submit their reports within approximately 30 days.