Today(on 16th May),The Calcutta High Court declined an urgent hearing to BJP leader Priyanka Tibrewal, who alleged coercion of women in Sandeshkhali to withdraw rape cases against TMC workers. The Bench advised Tibrewal to address her concerns to the CBI, which is investigating the matter.
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KOLKATA: The Calcutta High Court today(on 16th May), refused to grant an urgent hearing to Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and Advocate Priyanka Tibrewal. Tibrewal had claimed that women in Sandeshkhali were being coerced into withdrawing rape cases filed against Trinamool Congress (TMC) workers.
The Bench, comprising Chief Justice TS Sivagnanam and Justice Hiranmay Bhattacharyya, directed Tibrewal to approach the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which is currently investigating the allegations.
The Chief Justice remarked-
“Madam, we are not the investigating agency. The CBI is handling the matter, so please address your concerns to them, not us. We apologize for any inconvenience.”
Tibrewal presented the matter before the Bench, seeking an urgent hearing due to the severe circumstances faced by the women in Sandeshkhali.
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She emphasized the dire situation, stating-
“Women are afraid to sleep at home at night; they hide in the fields. There is fear as policemen enter homes at night, pressuring them to withdraw cases. Just yesterday, a rape victim had her hands tied and was thrown into a pond.”
However, the counsel representing the State government contested Tibrewal’s claims, arguing that the problems in the area were instigated by Tibrewal herself whenever she visited the region.
The case revolves around serious allegations that lands of Sandeshkhali residents were forcibly taken over by TMC strongman Shahjahan Sheikh. Sheikh, who was suspended by the party earlier this year, and his aides were accused of sexually assaulting women in the village. After being on the run for approximately 55 days, Sheikh was eventually apprehended by the West Bengal Police.
Previously, on April 10, the High Court had issued an order transferring the investigation of the case to the CBI, recognizing the gravity of the accusations and the need for a thorough and unbiased probe.
Recently, the alleged victims of sexual assault have come forward with claims that they were pressured by BJP leaders to file complaints against TMC workers. This revelation adds a layer of complexity to the case, highlighting the political tensions and the fraught situation in Sandeshkhali.
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The refusal of the High Court to expedite the hearing underscores the importance of following due process and allowing the designated investigative agency, in this case, the CBI, to conduct a comprehensive investigation. The court’s directive for Tibrewal to liaise with the CBI reflects the judiciary’s commitment to ensuring that the probe is handled by the appropriate authority.
