"Zero tolerance against corruption": Suvendu clears CBI prosecution against officials, allows inter-state supply for farmers

Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has announced a "Zero Tolerance" policy toward corruption, specifically targeting institutional grafts that remained shielded under the previous regime. During a high-level briefing, the Chief Minister revealed that the state government has officially cleared the path for the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to prosecute officials across three key departments. These cases, involving serious corruption charges and finalized chargesheets, had reportedly been stalled for over three years due to the previous administration withholding mandatory prosecution clearances.

The move marks a significant shift in the state's legal stance, as the current government aims to dismantle the protectionist culture surrounding high-ranking bureaucrats and officials. Adhikari emphasized that investigative agencies will no longer require prolonged permissions to act against those found involved in organized corruption. He signaled that more names would surface shortly, stating that the next cabinet meeting will finalize specific actions against several institutional corruption cases that have plagued the state's governance.

Beyond administrative reforms, the Chief Minister also addressed the grievances of the farming community, promising to end years of institutional harassment. He announced an immediate cessation of policies that forced farmers to sell or move products to other states under duress. Under the new directive, no internal state machinery or border checkpost will be permitted to stop the supply of agricultural or animal products. This order is designed to ensure that farmers are not extorted or delayed at state boundaries, facilitating a smoother trade environment within the region.