Supreme Court Upholds Calcutta HC Order for CBI Probe into Sandeshkhali Crimes
The Supreme Court on Monday dismissed the West Bengal government’s plea challenging the Calcutta High Court’s directive for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into allegations of crimes against women and land grabbing in Sandeshkhali. The bench, comprising Justices B R Gavai and K V Viswanathan, questioned the state’s interest in protecting individuals accused of these crimes, emphasizing the necessity of an impartial investigation.
The Calcutta High Court, in its April 10 order, mandated a court-monitored CBI probe to ensure justice and fairness. It also instructed the creation of a confidential portal for lodging complaints to safeguard the security of victims and witnesses. The Supreme Court, during an earlier hearing, questioned the Bengal government on its stance, highlighting the state’s unusual position in defending private individuals implicated in the crimes.
The High Court’s order followed petitions from women in Sandeshkhali accusing local Trinamool Congress leaders, close to suspended party member Sheikh Shahjahan, of sexual assault, land grabbing, and violence. The CBI is already investigating attacks on Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials in the region, with three FIRs registered for incidents on January 5. Sheikh, who had evaded arrest for 55 days following the January 5 attack, was apprehended on February 29.
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