Under lens: 300 post-poll violence cases from 2021

Kolkata: Cops have started re-examining 2021 post-poll violence cases for possible legal action days after the state govt ordered a review of all such cases, especially those involving crimes against women. Sources said around 300 cases across Bengal, including several in Kolkata, are under scrutiny.At a high-level meeting at Lalbazar on Thursday, OCs of all police stations were directed to speed up probes into crimes against women, particularly Pocso cases, and file charge sheets quickly to ensure faster trials.A key focus is alleged crimes against women after the 2021 polls. Assistant commissioners and DCPs have been asked to regularly update top state officials on the progress of investigations.The move follows a prolonged legal battle that reached the SC, which upheld a Calcutta HC order directing probes into serious offences, including murder and rape, allegedly linked to violence after the 2021 elections. Police have also been asked to prioritise cases involving missing girl children, with senior officers required to personally review them. The state has also directed cops to continue crackdowns on illegal arms, explosives and organised crime.