Kolkata:
The Calcutta High Court has refused to order a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the Netai killings for now.
The court was hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking a CBI probe into the recent killings of at least nine villagers in Netai village in Lalgarh, allegedly by CPM cadres.
Today's court order is interim. Next hearing will take place on February 3, when the court will examine Home Secretary's report and CID investigation into the killings and the dismantling of armed camp. Court may reconsider CBI inquiry.
The court has, however, directed the state to pay interim compensation of Rs 2 lakh each to the families of the deceased, Rs 1 lakh each to critically injured and Rs 50,000 each to injured. The court also ordered joint forces of state and Centre to dismantle any illegal armed camp set up by anyone.
The state Home Secretary had filed an affidavit saying no CBI inquiry was needed as the CID was already investigating the case.
Earlier, the High Court had asked the Bengal government to specify its stand on joint operation of Central and state forces against Maoist camps in Lalgarh. It has been alleged that CPM cadres killed nine villagers at Netai in Lalgarh on January 7.