Governor Dhankar: Law and order deteriorating alarmingly in Bengal

KOLKATA: A day after the murder of BJP leader Manish Shukla near Titagarh in North 24 Parganas district, West Bengal Governor JagdeepDhankhar on Monday claimed that law and order had alarmingly deteriorated in the state even as two top state officials summoned by him did not meet him.

"Alarming nosediving law and order scenario... I have conveyed my concern of the present alarming scenario to the new Chief Secretary of the state," the Governor tweeted while tagging the official Twitter handle of Mamata Banerjee.

He alleged that "targeted political killings" had taken place across Bengal in spite of an alert by the constitutional head.

"Am sure Chief Minister would be indicated all these critical aspects that run down democratic governance and lawlessness," he added.

Earlier, Dhankhar had called the state Additional Chief Secretary (Home) and the Director General of Police (DGP) to meet him in his office at 10 am on Monday, in the wake of TitagarhcouncillorShukla's murder on Sunday. Sources said that none came to meet the Governor on Monday.

"Neither ACS Home nor the DGP responded... political violence and targeted killings must stop," the Governor said.

However, newly-appointed Chief Secretary AlapanBandopadhyay met the Governor at Raj Bhavan this morning.

Dhankhar also evinced interest to speak to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on the issue. "I would like to speak to you urgently... only silence that speaks volumes," he added.

Meanwhile, a dawn-to-dusk shutdown called by the BJP's West Bengal unit was observed in Barrackpore area on Monday in protest against Shukla's killing.

A popular public figure in Barrackpore, Shukla had defected from the Trinamool Congress two years ago. He was known to be close to Barrackpore BJP MP Arjun Singh.

West Bengal Police on Monday urged people not to jump onto any conclusion without proper investigation and write irresponsible comments on social media.

"A person was shot dead last evening in Titagarh area of Barrackpore. Police are investigating the crime... Please do not jump onto any conclusion without proper investigation," West Bengal Police tweeted.

The police also said that they are looking into all possible reasons, including personal enmity of Shukla, as the victim was accused in some cases of murder and attempt to murder.

"Irresponsible comments on social media tantamount to interference in the investigation. Please refrain from this," the state police said. (IANS)

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