Findings of HC render CBI inquiry infructuous: WB govt to SC

New Delhi, Dec 5 (UNI) The Left Front government of West Bengal has told the Supreme Court that the findings of the Calcutta High Court declaring Nandigram police firing as unconstitutional, has rendered the CBI inquiry ordered by the High Court as 'infructuous.' According to the state government, CBI cannot go beyond the findings of the High Court and hence the High Court finding has tied the hands of the investigating agency and the inquiry virtually stands foreclosed.

The West Bengal government, in its petition filed yesterday, has also requested the Supreme Court to appoint a committee to ascertain the quantum of compensation to be paid to the victims of Nandigram police firing.

The farmers of Nandigram have been opposing the forcible acquisition of their lands by the state government for the setting up of SEZs by Salim group, which has been allotted 1,000 acres of land for the purpose.

The state government made it clear that it was not seeking any stay against the CBI inquiry ordered by the High Court.

The state government has, however, prayed to the apex court to stay the directions of paying Rs five lakh each to the families of those killed in Nandigram police firing.

The petitioner state has also defended the police action in Nandigram and contended that the police was forced to open fire when violence could not be brought under control and firing was resorted to as a last resort to restore peace.

The state government has been under heavy criticism from all political parties as there have been largescale killings by the police and CPM goons have raped a large number of women. Even the Left Front partners have condemned CPM cadres and Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee government for what has happened there.

The petition is likely to come up for hearing next week.

UNI