Kolkata: The death of nearly 10 people in the violence that erupted after the death of ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) panchayat vice-president Bhadu Sheikh in Birbhum, West Bengal, and the subsequent exodus of locals, has drawn criticism from the state's CM Mamata Banerjee. PM Narendra Modi has expressed grief over the incident.

In a tweet by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), PM Modi said, "I express my grief, my condolences on the violence in Birbhum, West Bengal. I hope that the State Government will definitely bring to justice those who committed such a heinous sin on the great soil of Bengal.'' PM Modi said, "I would also urge the people of Bengal to never forgive those who committed such an act, those who encourage such criminals.'' PM Modi further wrote, "On behalf of the Central Government, I assure the state that whatever help it wants in bringing the culprits to justice at the earliest will be provided to them.''

After all-around criticism of the violence, the Calcutta High Court on Wednesday (March 24) took suo motu cognizance and directed the Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CSFL) to collect evidence samples from the spot and protect eyewitnesses. Along with this, instructions were given to install CCTV cameras around the spot. The court also directed the state government to file a report in the case by 2 pm on Thursday. During the hearing in the Calcutta High Court on the Birbhum violence, the CBI said that if the court gives an order, the agency is ready to investigate it. The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has sent notices to the Birbhum Superintendent of Police (SP) and the state's Director General of Police (DGP) over the burning alive of two children in the violence and sought their response.

The state government has set up an SIT to probe the violence. It includes CID ADG Gyanwant Singh, ADG Western Range Sanjay Singh and DIG CID Operations Meraj Khalid. In Rampurhat, the SDPO has been removed in connection with the violence and a total of 23 people are said to have been arrested.

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