The Calcutta High Court, under Justice Apurba Sinha Roy, has initiated Suo motu cognizance of serious allegations, including sexual assault and land transfer in Sandeshkhali. Expressing deep concern, the court has appointed lawyer Jayant Narayan Chattopadhyay to lead an impartial inquiry, emphasizing its commitment to justice in this sensitive matter.
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Kolkata: The Calcutta High Court has taken Suo motu cognizance of disturbing allegations emerging from Sandeshkhali, a remote village in West Bengal’s North 24 Parganas district. The court, led by Justice Apurba Sinha Roy, expressed deep concern over the reported incidents, which involve serious accusations of sexual assault on women “at gunpoint” and the illegal transfer of tribal land.
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Justice Apoorba Sinha Roy, leading the case, has shown deep worry about two big problems in the Sandeshkhali area. The first is about taking land from tribal communities, which is a big deal for property rights and protections for indigenous people. The second, and scarier, is about people being forced into sexual assault with threats and guns involved.
To ensure a fair and just investigation, the court has appointed lawyer Jayant Narayan Chattopadhyay as a friend of the court in this case. Additionally, the state Public Prosecutor, Debashis Roy, has been directed to appear before the court for further hearings on the matter.
Justice remarked–
“The court is taking this case. People go to sleep at night thinking that there is a court over their heads.”
The women of Sandeshkhali have taken to the streets, protesting against what they perceive as a failure of the judicial system and police administration. Thousands of women from the village staged a demonstration last Friday, wielding sticks, bamboo, and tree branches. They made explosive allegations, accusing the police of entering their houses late at night and coercively taking them to political party offices under the guise of meetings.
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Furthermore, the women claimed that the police were unresponsive to their complaints and unwilling to register First Information Reports (FIRs). Even if an FIR was filed, there were allegations of deliberate destruction by the police. The women accused the authorities of redirecting them to Shibu Hazra, a local political figure, when they sought assistance from the police.
The court has acknowledged these allegations, leading to its Suo motu intervention.
Justice Apurba Sinha Roy stated–
“The court decided to appoint lawyer Jayant Narayan Chattopadhyay as ‘court friend’ in the Sandeshkhali case.”
The state government has been directed to submit a comprehensive report on the Sandeshkhali incident, and the next hearing is scheduled for February 20.
A special team from the state police is already investigating the Sandeshkhali case, and Governor CV Anand Bose visited the area to assure the women that a thorough investigation will take place. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee confirmed on Tuesday that arrests had been made, and the State Women’s Commission has submitted its report.
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Even Basirhat MP and actress Nusrat Jahan addressed the incident, urging collaboration with the state administration during this critical situation.
She emphasized-
“It’s our job to put out the fire. Not to add fuel to the fire,”
The Calcutta High Court, through Justice Apurba Sinha Roy, has taken a proactive stance, ensuring a thorough and unbiased investigation into the alleged sexual assault and illegal transfer of land in Sandeshkhali.
