Post poll violence: Petition seeks imposition of President’s Rule in Bengal

A Chennai-based NGO ‘Indic Collective Trust’ on Tuesday filed a petition in the apex court seeking deployment of central forces to restore the law and order situation in post-poll violence-hit areas of West Bengal.

The Trust, represented by advocates Suvidutt and J Sai Deepak, said it was time to consider the President’s rule on the ground that the “constitutional machinery” has broken down within the meaning of Article 356.

“Reports have emerged citing instances of gang rape and physical assault against women who support the opposing parties in the state. Heinous crimes including bombing of localities, murders, violations against the modesty of women, riotous looting, kidnapping, arson and destruction of public property have taken place,” reads the petition file by the Trust. It has also sought an inquiry into the violence by an SIT team, headed by a retired Supreme Court judge.

“The state administration and the police authorities have failed and/or neglected to clamp down on the unruly elements, thereby leading to institutionalized violence and destruction of the democratic fabric of the state. Since the administration has failed to restore peace and maintain law and order in the aftermath of the elections despite several pleas and numerous news reports, the SC must intervene urgently to save the lives of innocent persons,” the petitioner said.

Senior advocate and BJP leader Gaurav Bhatia too has filed a similar petition and sought a CBI inquiry into the violence.