Today(on 13th May),The Calcutta High Court has postponed the hearing of a petition by BJP leader Gangadhar Koyal, seeking a transfer of investigation to the CBI regarding a contentious sting video. The video alleges Koyal’s involvement in sexual offenses in the sensitive North 24 Parganas region.
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KOLKATA: Today(on 13th May), The Calcutta High Court has deferred the hearing of a significant petition until Tuesday, involving Gangadhar Koyal, a prominent BJP leader from Sandeshkhali. Koyal has requested a transfer of the ongoing investigation to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) concerning an alleged sting video that has stirred substantial controversy. The video purportedly accuses him of involvement in sexual atrocities in the strategically sensitive riverine area of North 24 Parganas.
Justice Jay Sengupta, overseeing the case, affirmed that the petition would be taken up in the subsequent session scheduled for Tuesday. This delay introduces an element of suspense and anticipation amidst the heightened political tension prevailing in West Bengal.
In his petition, Koyal argues that the videos, allegedly engineered to mimic his voice, were deliberately circulated to tarnish his reputation.
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He stated-
“The circulation of such videos was escalating tensions in Sandeshkhali.”
and expressed fears for his personal safety amidst the growing unrest. Consequently, Koyal has sought judicial intervention to secure central force protection to safeguard him against potential threats.
The opposition, represented by the ruling Trinamool Congress, has intensified the political skirmish by releasing what they claim is a video of a sting operation involving Koyal. In this controversial video, a figure, resembling Koyal, is heard dismissing the serious allegations of sexual abuse in Sandeshkhali as “staged.”
Adding to the complexity of the case, Koyal disclosed during the proceedings that he had already engaged with CBI officials concerning the alleged misuse of his voice in the contentious video.
It is noteworthy that the CBI is already actively investigating claims of sexual atrocities and related land-grabbing issues in the Sandeshkhali area, following directives from a prior ruling by the Calcutta High Court.
The emergence of the alleged “fake” video featuring Gangadhar Kayal, a prominent local leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has created a major political controversy in West Bengal. The video, which purportedly shows Kayal admitting to orchestrating the Sandeshkhali movement in exchange for money, has raised questions about its authenticity. The BJP has vehemently denied the video’s credibility, claiming it was created using deepfake technology.
ALSO READ: Calcutta High Court Grants Permission for Suvendu Adhikari’s Visit to Sandeshkhali Amid Tensions
The party has called for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) investigation, a demand echoed by Kayal himself. On the other hand, the ruling All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) has accused the BJP of orchestrating the incident to tarnish Bengal’s image.The issue has escalated to the Calcutta High Court, where Gangadhar Kayal has pursued legal action and requested personal protection. In response, the court has sanctioned a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry, amplifying the political unrest within the state.