West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has formally tabled the Justice Sushanta Kumar Chatterjee Commission report concerning the police firing incident from July 21, 1993, during an Assembly session. Adhikari announced that the families of those who lost their lives in the incident would be entitled to a compensation of Rs 25 lakh each, while those injured would receive Rs 5 lakh, in accordance with the commission’s recommendations.

While addressing the Assembly, Adhikari noted that the report was submitted a considerable time ago, and in keeping with established procedures, it was being presented to the House prior to being made public. He emphasised the Assembly’s role as a significant institution of democracy and mentioned that interested parties could obtain a copy of the report by following the necessary procedures.

Findings of the Justice Sushanta Kumar Chatterjee Commission

Adhikari referred to the Commission, which was set up in 2011 to investigate the July 21 incident, highlighting that it had examined 44 witnesses, including prominent former bureaucrats, police officials, and political figures. He indicated that the Commission concluded there was no justification for the police’s use of firearms during the protest.

According to Adhikari, the Commission’s findings suggested that an adequate investigation had not taken place following the incident. The perceived threat to the Writers’ Buildings was described as “imaginary,” and the use of force at locations such as Mayo Road, Dorina Crossing, Metro Cinema, and Esplanade East was labelled as “unnecessary, unprovoked and illogical.”

Adhikari reiterated the importance of the Commission’s recommendations, which proposed that the deceased be honoured as martyrs. He contrasted these proposals with the previous government’s compensation, stating that while Rs 2 lakh was provided to the families of the deceased and Rs 15,000 was given to the injured, the current recommendations called for significantly higher compensation amounts.

Background of the July 21, 1993 Incident

The agitation on July 21, 1993, was spearheaded by Mamata Banerjee, who was then the head of the West Bengal Youth Congress. The protesters demanded the introduction of mandatory photo voter identity cards to mitigate electoral fraud. During the demonstration near the Writers’ Buildings, police opened fire, resulting in the tragic deaths of 13 Youth Congress workers.

In memory of the deceased, the Trinamool Congress annually observes July 21 as ‘Shaheed Diwas’, a day dedicated to honouring those who lost their lives during the protest. The Chief Minister’s announcement regarding compensation aims to address the long-standing grievances of the affected families and affirm the government’s commitment to rectifying past injustices.

This presentation marks a significant step in the ongoing dialogue regarding accountability and support for victims of state violence, reinforcing the current administration’s stance on addressing historical grievances and providing support to those affected by such events.

Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!

App Store –  https://apps.apple.com/in/app/newspin/id6746449540 

Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inventifweb.newspin&pcampaignid=web_share