New Delhi, March 24 : The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued notices to West Bengal government and state police over the Birbhum incident, seeking a detailed report in the matter within four weeks. Taking suo motu cognizance of media reports that eight persons, including women and children, were allegedly burnt to death in Bogtui village in Rampurhat area of Birbhum district on March 22, after a leader of a political party was killed in a crude bomb attack, the Commission has issued notices to Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police. As per a comm que issued by the NHRC on Thursday, it has asked to include status for the FIRs registered in the matter, steps taken to ensure safety of the people in the village and any relief or rehabilitation provided by the state government in the detailed report. The incident of “hate violence” indicates that the law and order is not appropriate in the area, the rights body observed. According to the media reports, the doctors at Rampurhat government hospital, where the bodies were taken for post-mortem, stated that the condition of the bodies made their work very difficult, the NHRC said. It is further stated that the presence of blood suggests that the victims were first physically attacked and then the houses were put on fire, the Commission added. DS GK
