KOLKATA: The CBI has started an investigation into the Birbhum massacre case. The CBI took over the case following an order of the Kolkata High Court.

A CBI team led by DIG Akhilesh Singh has reached Rampurhat where the incident took place. A Central Forensic team from New Delhi is also conducting an on-site inspection. They were also appointed by the court.

Surveillance cameras were set up at the crime scene to prevent the loss of evidence. Mamata Banerjee government had earlier asked the court not to hand over the case to a central agency. However, the court rejected the demand.

So far, 21 people have been arrested in connection with the incident in which at least eight people were charred to death.The massacre was in retaliation for the assassination of Trinamool Congress leader Bhadu Sheikh. The attackers beat and burned people alive, including women and children.

Trinamool Congress block president Anarul Hussain was among those arrested. Most of the arrested accused are supporters of the Trinamool Congress.

Among the arrested, 6 persons are from Bhadu Sheikh's family. Police have also arrested a man in connection with the murder of Bhadu Sheikh. This is the first time that police has arrested this much TNC supporters since Mamata's rule. CBI has also charged armored riot case against the accused.