Damayanti Sen back in action under BJP government:Bengal forms women’s atrocities and corruption commissions led by retired judges and senior IPS officers

The newly formed BJP government in West Bengal on Monday announced the formation of two major commissions, one to investigate institutional corruption and another to probe atrocities against women, with former IPS officer Damayanti Sen returning to an active administrative role as Member Secretary of the women’s atrocities commission. Damayanti Sen returns in key role Announcing the decision after the cabinet meeting, senior BJP leader and minister Suvendu Adhikari said the move fulfilled a key election promise made by the BJP and Union Home Minister Amit Shah during the Assembly campaign. According to the announcement, retired Justice Biswajit Basu will head the commission on institutional corruption, while senior IPS officer Jayaraman will serve as Member Secretary. BJP fulfils major election commitment officially The second commission, focusing on crimes and atrocities against women and girl children, will be chaired by retired Justice Samapti Chatterjee. Former Kolkata Police officer Damayanti Sen, known for handling several high profile investigations during her service, has been appointed as the Member Secretary. Commission to start from June The commissions are expected to begin functioning from June 1 after logistical arrangements are completed. The government said it expects preliminary recommendations within one to two months. Corruption allegations to face fresh investigations The corruption commission will reportedly examine alleged irregularities in schemes and sectors, including Amphan relief distribution, Mid Day Meal projects, Awas Yojana, PHE works and MGNREGA implementation in panchayat bodies. Post-poll violence cases under scanner Meanwhile, the women’s commission will look into allegations related to violence against women in incidents ranging from Sandeshkhali and Hanskhali to Bogtui and the 2021 post-poll violence cases related to women. ​