NEW DELHI — The Association for Protection of Civil Rights (APCR), West Bengal, has demanded appropriate compensation and protection for the family of SK Shahaalam (71), who became a victim of collective post-poll violence in Hooghly District earlier this month.
An APCR team visited Kelepara Village to probe into the circumstances that led to the June 15 murder. The team interacted with family members of the deceased, residents of the village, witnesses, and the concerned police officials.
The fact-finding team visited the Kelepara Village on Tuesday. In a press statement on Thursday, the APCR said its team learnt that the victim’s family was threatened by the assailants, causing fear and insecurity among residents of the village. “Witnesses are hesitant to speak openly for fear of retaliation. The family has been pushed to extreme financial hardship due to the loss of the sole earning member. There also needs to be close supervision of previously reported incidents of violence in the village,” the statement said.
The team demanded that the police immediately arrest all of the remaining accused persons at the earliest, and conduct a fair, impartial, and time-bound investigation, with early filing of the chargesheet, and ensuring proper protection for the witnesses who fear being intimidated and persecuted. The state government must also make provisions for the security and protection, as well as adequate compensation, to the victim’s family as per the applicable victim compensation scheme. It is also recommended to provide necessary help for the rehabilitation of family members and assistance with the education of minor children.
With regard to the prevailing situation, the APCR team said there needs to be regular supervision and the monitoring of law and order of Kelepara village by senior police officials to ensure a fair investigation.
