The Supreme Court of India has adjourned the hearing of the West Bengal Government’s plea challenging a Calcutta High Court order until July. This order directed a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into allegations of land grabbing and sexual assault in Sandeshkhali, a region in West Bengal. During the hearing, the Supreme Court questioned why the state should protect the interests of private individuals. In response, the West Bengal Government argued that it had conducted a fair investigation into the matter, despite comments against the state.
The State Government’s plea highlighted its concerns regarding the high court’s order, stating that it had demoralised the entire state machinery, including the police force. The plea criticised the high court’s directive to provide support to the CBI without specific guidelines, which it viewed as an encroachment on the state police’s investigative powers.
The CBI’s involvement in the case follows reports of a large cache of arms, including foreign-made pistols, hidden in Sandeshkhali. The federal probe agency has registered an FIR against five individuals and unknown others, as per the high court’s order. The CBI is investigating various alleged offenses in the Sandeshkhali region, including illegal land acquisitions and instances of violence and sexual assault against women.
This development came after officials from the Enforcement Directorate (ED) were attacked in Sandeshkhali while investigating a ration distribution scam case involving now-suspended Trinamool Congress leader Shahjahan Sheikh. Several women from Sandeshkhali have accused Sheikh and his associates of perpetrating atrocities and sexual assault.
The Calcutta High Court’s order directing a CBI investigation into the matter underscored the need for an impartial inquiry and justice for the victims. The court has also ordered the installation of CCTVs in sensitive areas of Sandeshkhali and will monitor the investigation closely.
Sheikh, who has significant political influence in the region, is a prime accused in nearly 42 criminal cases related to Sandeshkhali. Despite his ties to the ruling party, he was arrested by the state police after evading capture for some time. During the proceedings, the high court expressed concern over the state police’s handling of the case and emphasised the importance of an impartial inquiry into the alleged public distribution system scam involving Sheikh.
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