In a move towards positive direction, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Wednesday announced the handover of the Ranaghat nun gangrape case to CBI.
Ranaghat incident of 14 March, 2015 is a very serious matter. Police administration was instructed to take swift action to nab the culprits
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) March 18, 2015
Considering the seriousness and sensitivity of the case, I have decided to entrust investigation of the case to CBI
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) March 18, 2015
Our Government will provide all necessary co-operation and assistance to the CBI for investigation in this case
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) March 18, 2015
Police are making their best efforts. Considering the fact that the place is very close to border area I have decided to entrust case to CBI
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) March 18, 2015
In the Ranaghat attack, around a dozen men roamed around the school and damaged a bust of Jesus Christ in a chapel before breaking into the nuns' quarters. Two of the attackers grabbed the septuagenarian nun who was in charge of the school's finances and demanded the keys to a cupboard, Reuters reports.
When she refused, she was raped by one man, Reuters quotes a police officer. Other nuns were threatened with similar consequences unless they handed over gold chains and cash. In total the men made off with more than 1 million rupees.
As of now, 8 people have been detained in connection with the case after police officials released CCTV footage of the perpetrators, reports ANI.
Meanwhile, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued a notice to the West Bengal government, taking suo motu cognisance of the reports.
The commission has observed that the contents of the press report, if true, amount to serious violation of human rights of the victim. Accordingly, it has issued notices to the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police, West Bengal calling for reports in the matter within two weeks, reports ANI.
The incident has sparked widespread condemnation across the country, with the TMC assuring a thorough inquiry into the matter.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also asked for a report from the state government.
PM is deeply concerned about the incidents in Hisar, Haryana and Nadia, West Bengal.
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) March 17, 2015
PMO has asked for immediate report on facts & action taken regarding the incidents in Haryana & West Bengal.
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) March 17, 2015
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