CPI(M) today said CBI's raid on Teesta Setalvad's premises was the "most shocking instance of misuse" of government machinery and was in stark contrast to the way the government was protecting accused in Vyapam and other scams involving BJP.
CPI(M), intellectuals and artists today came out in support of the social activist and sought an end to her "harassment" through central agencies.
They alleged that the CBI case against Setalvad was "misuse" of power to "silence" the activist for her "relentless" pursuit of justice in cases connected with 2002 Gujarat "genocide".
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The outfits maintained that the CBI action was a signal to silence others against "exposing" role of top leaders in the Government.
They also questioned timing of the raid, which took place on the eve of important hearings in two Gujarat-related cases (Naroda Patiya appeals are being heard in Gujarat High Court starting today, while that in Zakia Jafri case is scheduled on July 27).
"Institution of a CBI case against her and subsequent raid by over 16 CBI personnel at her residence throughout the day is a misuse of power to intimidate and silence her because of her relentless pursuit of justice in cases connected with the Gujarat genocide.
"It is also a signal to silence others against exposing the role of top leaders of the government. It is no coincidence that these actions are on the eve of important hearings in at least two of the Gujarat-related cases," CPI (M) said in a statement.
The party alleged that the way government agencies are conducting themselves in Teesta's case are in stark and shameful contrast to the way Government is protecting accused in Vyapam and other cases involving top ruling party leaders.
The Government should put an end to this harassment of Setalvad, it demanded.
The civil society members added that since Setalvad and her colleagues are "fully willing" to co-operate with CBI in its inquiry, the conclusion is inescapable that the agency's action is part of a campaign to "humiliate" and "persecute" them.
