Mystery shrouds Rizwanur’s death: Basu

CPI-M veteran Jyoti Basu questioned the theory behind Rizwanur murder asking if his death was a case of murder or suicide.

Even as investigating agencies were trying to project the death of computer graphics designer Rizwanur Rahman as a case of suicide, veteran CPI-M leader Jyoti Basu on Friday questioned the theory saying it was still a mystery whether the death was a case of murder or suicide.

“It is surprising to me whether it is a murder or suicide,” Basu told reporters at the CPI-M office in Kolkatta after emerging from the party’s state secretariat meeting.

“Many reports are coming out. It was said that Rizwanur had sustained injury at the back of his head. The viscera report has not yet come. There was also a report that his body might be exhumed,” Basu said.

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On his recent statement about the removal of two police officers, the CPI-M patriarch said he had said so because Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee had told him the same at that time.

However, Bhattacharjee on Friday said that the government had changed its earlier position and decided not to remove the police officers “now” whose names had figured.

“Now I am told by the chief minister that it is not possible to remove the two officers. The state Advocate General also advised that the government has to wait for the completion of judicial enquiry,” Basu said.

“It will not be proper to take any action now,” he added. Basu further said that Rizwanur’s family has also filed a petition in the court seeking a CBI enquiry. “I don’t know what will happen.”

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When asked that Rizwanur’s mother wanted to meet him instead of the Chief Minister, the veteran leader said he was feeling bad that she did not want to meet the CM.

Basu said that there was no harm in meeting her. “Many visitors come to meet me at my residence. If they (Rizwanur’s family) come, I will meet them.”

“But they will have to talk to the chief minister,” he added.