Tehatta firing a mistake: Mamata

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today admitted that the police firing in Tehatta on November 14, in which one person was killed, was a mistake.

Addressing a public rally in Tehatta today, Mamata said, "Ashok Sen (the deceased) is my brother, and you all know that we have ordered a judicial inquiry in the matter. I do not want to lose other brothers in such incidents. The state government will provide all assistance to those who were injured in the incident."

The Chief Minister gave Rs 2 lakh compensation to Sen's wife and assured a job to his elder son as home guard within one month.

"The incident is unfortunate and if you (people) have any grievance regarding anybody please inform me by writing a letter," she said.

Even the SDO, SDPO and OC of the police stations were shunted out for an impartial probe, she added.

On November 14, one person was killed and nine people were injured at Haulia village at Tehatta in Nadia district following a clash between police and villagers.

The incident took place reportedly after villagers blocked a state highway when the district administration refused permission for a puja in the area. The state government ordered a magisterial probe into the incident on November 16.

In a bid to maintain peace and harmony in the state ahead of panchayat elections, Mamata said, "Many want to create riots, but I urge you not to divide people on the lines of community. Political parties — whether its the BJP, Congress or CPM — for their own interest might try to divide people, but don't indulge in riots."

"Riots help none. Everyone should hate riots and help create a congenial environment for all to live in peace," she said.

Banerjee, who walked to the rally ground, dwelt at length on the hardship her government was facing due to acute paucity of funds of over Rs 2.05 lakh crore left by the previous Left Front government.

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