'Those responsible for killings will be brought to book': Mamata after meeting families of Cooch Behar victims

Kolkata, Apr 14: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee visited Cooch Behar that witnessed violence during the fourth phase of polling last week in which five people were killed including four in CISF firing.

This comes after a campaign ban of 24 hours imposed by the Election Commission on her. The Election Commission had barred Banerjee from campaigning for 24 hours from Monday 8 pm for her remarks against the central forces and a statement that had alleged religious overtones.

After meeting the family, Mamata said, "I have met the kin of all five victims. They are like my own family... I will respond to bullets with ballots".

The Chief Minister also said that those responsible for the Cooch Behar killings will be tracked and brought to book.

Banerjee lamented that she could not meet the next of kin of the deceased earlier owing to a 72-hour ban on entry of political leaders in Cooch Behar, where four people were gunned down by CISF personnel, who fired in "self defence", on April 10.

"Our inquiry will track everyone responsible for the cold-blooded killing and ensure they are punished as per law," she said.

Banerjee said she will also ensure justice for the family of Ananda Burman, an 18-year-old first-time voter who was shot dead outside a polling booth in the same district.

"Didi came to meet us here and said that she would help us as soon as the election ends. She consoled and gave us hope. We trust her," said family members of those killed in Sitalkuchi, Cooch Behar violence.

Four persons died on Saturday when CISF personnel opened fire allegedly after coming under attack from locals, who "attempted to snatch their rifles.

An 18-year-old first-time voter was shot dead when he had queued up to vote while in a separate incident central forces shot dead four persons allegedly in self-defense the same day.