Author: Express News Service
Publication: The Indian Express
Date: November 17, 2005
URL: http://cities.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=157434
Calls for improved infrastructure and training facilities to combat rising crime
Yet again Chief Minister, Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, has admitted that terrorist groups and Islamic fundamentalists are active in West Bengal. "In the name of religion terrorist groups are operating in West Bengal. But we will never allow these forces to destablise peace here," Bhattacharjee said while speaking at a seminar "Challenges of Organised Crime in the 21st Century" to mark the centenary celebration of Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of West Bengal Police at Bhasha Bhavan this morning.
Expressing concern he said Pakistani militant
outfits have wrecked havoc in western India and terrorist groups are posing
a major threat in the North- East.
"Organised crimes pose the biggest ever threat worldwide and West Bengal
is not immune to it."
Speaking about economic offences, cyber crimes and hawala rackets, he said even some politicians and businessman are involved in these crimes. Kidnapping for ransom has also become a regular feature in several parts of the country, besides smuggling of arms and narcotics.
"Terrorists and Naxalites smuggle arms and narcotics to raise funds for their subversive activities. This needs to be checked," he said.
On the rise of social crimes like trafficking he said crimes like child marriage, sale of children, dowry and prostitution follow a vicious circle and the police should handle them sensitively.
To crackdown on the increasing militant activities and economic offences, Bhattacharjee said special courts were needed for in-camera trials of criminals in sensitive cases.
"'We need special courts for in-camera trial of notorious criminals in sensitive cases at a time when organised crime including subversive activities by militants and islamic fundamentalists are on the rise," he however ruled out enactment of more stringent laws through legislation, saying that the existing laws were adequate.
"The existing laws are sufficient to deal with these crimes. Stringent laws could be used against political opponents which would invite controversy," he said.
He stressed on the need for modernisation and improved training, modern arms and infrastructure such as forensic and DNA testing laboratories.
"A state-of-the-art DNA testing laboratory will be set up at Rajarhat very soon. We have to focus on modernisation," he announced.