According to sources, local supporters of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) allegedly assaulted Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials in the vicinity of TMC leader Sheikh Shahjahan’s residence. The ED team was there to conduct a raid related to an investigation into a multi-crore ration scam involving Shahjahan’s house.
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WEST BENGAL: In a recent development, the Calcutta High Court dismissed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that sought investigation into the assault on Enforcement Directorate (ED) officers in West Bengal. The incident in question occurred on January 5 near the residence of Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Sheikh Shahjahan, who is closely linked to State Minister for Forests Jyotipriyo Mallick, arrested in October last year in connection with a ration distribution scam.
The ED officers, along with paramilitary forces, were reportedly surrounded and attacked by about 200 locals while attempting to raid Shahjahan’s residence at Akunjipara. This confrontation led to injuries among three ED officers and forced the team to retreat from the area. Following the incident, West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose called for Shahjahan’s arrest and controversially linked him to terrorists, drawing sharp criticism from the TMC.
The PIL, filed by a practicing advocate, was scrutinized by the division bench of Chief Justice TS Sivagnanam and Justice Supratime Bhattacharya. The court questioned the petitioner’s research efforts, noting that the plea was primarily based on newspaper reports without substantial independent investigation. The bench emphasized that the ED, as a central agency, possesses the expertise to handle such situations and does not require intervention through a PIL at this stage.
The petitioner’s counsel argued that the attack on the ED could set a dangerous precedent with national implications, describing it as an act of waging war against a government agency, a scheduled offence under the NIA Act. However, the Chief Justice pointed out that the ED and State police are capable of addressing their own issues without the High Court’s intervention. The court also highlighted the need for more thorough research beyond newspaper clippings to substantiate a PIL.
In conclusion, the Calcutta High Court dismissed the PIL due to the lack of in-depth research and investigation by the petitioner. The case underscores the complexities of legal interventions in matters involving central agencies and the importance of substantial evidence in filing PILs.
“You cannot have it both ways,” Chief Justice Sivagnanam said.
Case No: WPA(P) 10/2024.
Case: NILADRI SAHA VS STATE OF WEST BENGAL AND ORS.
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