SC rejects Bengal government’s plea against CBI probe in Sandeshkhali violence
- In Reports
- 10:30 PM, Jul 08, 2024
- Myind Staff
On Monday, the Supreme Court rebuked the West Bengal government for its lack of action in cases of land grabbing and sexual assault involving Trinamool Congress (TMC) leaders in Sandeshkhali. The court dismissed a petition from the state challenging a Calcutta High Court order that transferred 43 such cases to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
Justices BR Gavai and KV Viswanathan, presiding over the matter, emphasised that these cases are specifically related to Sandeshkhali and are not part of a broader directive. "You do not do anything by arresting the accused,” the bench stated, criticising the state’s approach.
Despite Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi's arguments on behalf of West Bengal, asserting that the high court should not have transferred the ration scam probe to the CBI, the Supreme Court maintained a very firm stance in its ruling. Singhvi contended that the state had already filed 42 charge sheets and argued there was no justification for transferring the cases.
The court questioned the state's interest in protecting private individuals, highlighting concerns about the timing of the arrests of the accused, including TMC local leader Shahjahan Sheikh. The bench noted that previous remarks by the high court on the state's investigation should not influence the ongoing CBI probe.
Senior Advocate Jaideep Gupta, also representing the state, claimed the high court's comments were unfair, given the state's actions. Nonetheless, the high court had directed the CBI to investigate allegations against TMC leaders, including Sheikh, and report back.
Sandeshkhali, consisting of 16 village panchayat areas in North 24 Parganas district, has witnessed intense tension since January 5, when an Enforcement Directorate team was attacked during a raid at Shahjahan Sheikh’s house. Sheikh was arrested in February following protests by villagers, including allegations of sexual assault.
The high court's order, made by Chief Justice TS Sivagnanam and Justice Hiranmay Bhattacharya, granted the CBI extensive powers to collect relevant information from various sources, emphasising the need for a thorough investigation into the serious allegations against local TMC leaders.
Image source: PTI
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