Calcutta High Court Expresses Concern Over Special CBI Judge’s Actions in West Bengal Recruitment Scam
In a recent development, the Calcutta High Court has voiced its concerns over the actions of a special CBI judge involved in the West Bengal recruitment scam case. Justice Abhijit Gangopadhyay expressed his exasperation, stating,
“I am told by the Head of SIT that he is being harassed by Kolkata Police… I castigate such order passed by the said CBI Judge.”
The court emphasized that the Special Investigation Team (SIT), constituted by the court, should not be sent to the Kolkata Police for inquiry. Justice Gangopadhyay remarked,
“Zero tolerance to corruption should be there in letter and spirit and it should not remain only a slogan in the mouth of the most corrupt persons.”
Previously, Justice Amrita Sinha had also issued orders safeguarding the SIT members from any coercive actions by the Kolkata Police. This was in response to a complaint filed by an accused alleging custodial torture.
The court had summoned CBI DIG & SIT head Ashwin Shenvi due to concerns over the slow progress of the investigation. Shenvi highlighted that the SIT’s efforts were being hampered by the special CBI judge’s orders. These orders not only directed the SIT members to the Kolkata Police for inquiry but also led to the arrest of individuals identified as witnesses by the CBI. This, in turn, resulted in crucial evidence not being documented.
Reacting to these submissions, the bench directed all West Bengal government authorities not to entertain any complaints against the SIT members without the court’s permission.
During the hearing, it was revealed that the special CBI judge had an unresolved transfer order. The bench questioned the delay, asking,
“I wonder why the transfer order has not been given effect to.”
The court ordered the transfer to be completed by October 4th. However, the Law Minister, citing health reasons, assured the court that the transfer would be finalized by December 6th.
Addressing the special judge’s alleged interference with witness identification, Justice Gangopadhyay stated,
“Instead of protecting the witnesses, he has acted detrimentally to the investigation.”
He further added that witnesses in the recruitment scam would only be arrested under the orders of the CBI and ED.
The Chief Secretary of West Bengal was directed to inform the Chief Minister that no complaints against the SIT members should be filed without the court’s consent. The court also instructed various investigative agencies and the West Bengal Primary Education Board to submit their reports by October 18th.
