Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has warned that those who damage government or private property during riots will face penalties amounting to three times the value of the loss, under a newly implemented state law.
The BJP government, which recently assumed office under Adhikari, has been taking steps aimed at strengthening law and order. As part of this push, the state Assembly passed two bills related to public order on June 28, granting the government additional powers to maintain peace and counter organised conspiracies.
Speaking at a consultation meeting in his constituency of Bhawanipur with industrialists and representatives of social organisations, the Chief Minister said citizens have the right to protest, but demonstrations must not turn violent or lead to damage of industrial assets. He added that shutting down or vandalising industries would not be permitted.
Adhikari said strict action would be taken against those responsible for destruction of public and private property. Citing an example, he said if damage worth Rs 1 crore is caused, the accused would have to pay Rs 3 crore as a fine.
He also said that if the amount is not paid, the government would recover it by auctioning the offenders’ assets. During the meeting, he added that the state is open to hosting world-class foreign universities if they come forward with quality proposals.
