Calcutta HC orders CBI probe into Netai killings

Voicing dissatisfaction with the CID probe into the Netai firing, the Calcutta High Court today directed West Bengal government to hand over to the CBI the investigation into the January 7 incident in which nine persons were killed.
A division bench, comprising Chief Justice J N Patel and justice Ashim Kumar Roy, directed the CID to hand over all documents relating to the investigation as well as the two accused, who were in its custody, to the central agency.
It also directed the CID to assist the CBI as and when required.
The bench, which will monitor the investigation, directed the CBI to furnish a progress report after 15 days when the matter will come up for hearing again.
Earlier, the bench while allowing the CID to continue the probe had stated that if it found the CID wanting in course of investigation, it would keep its option open in handing over the case to the CBI.
The Calcutta High Court Bar Association, which had moved a PIL praying for a CBI investigation into the case, claimed that as the allegations were against the ruling CPI(M), an impartial inquiry could not be made by a State investigation agency.