A plea filed before the Supreme Court requests a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into a sting operation video related to the Sandeshkhali incident, alleging fabricated rape charges against a TMC leader and undue influence on investigative agencies
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NEW DELHI: Today (14th May): A plea has been submitted to the Supreme Court, urging for a thorough investigation by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to verify the authenticity of a sting operation video related to the Sandeshkhali incident concerning allegations of rape and sexual assault against women.
The sting operation footage purportedly shows an individual disclosing that the rape accusations against Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Shahjahan Sheikh were fabricated. Instead, it suggests that the people of Sandeshkhali were instructed by BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari to obstruct TMC leaders and tarnish their image.
It further stressed the necessity for the Court to scrutinize the video evidence to uncover any undue influence on constitutional authorities and investigative agencies.
“The statements in the YouTube Video depict alarming events, and thus, the Hon’ble Court should mandate the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) for a court-monitored independent forensic examination of the audio and video recordings. Given the sensitive nature of the matter, the Court should review the attached YT Video, which exposes the undue influence on constitutional authorities and investigative agencies in orchestrating the protests,” the plea asserted.
The plea, filed by a woman through advocate Udayaditya Banerjee, alleges that women in Sandeshkhali were coerced into signing blank papers, leading to false rape complaints against TMC leaders.
Senior Advocate Meneka Guruswamy raised the matter before a bench comprising Justices BR Gavai and Sandeep Mehta.
The Supreme Court instructed that the request for listing be evaluated, and appropriate directives be issued.
“In light of the sensitivity surrounding the issue, the applicant has petitioned for the establishment of a Special Investigation Team to conduct an impartial inquiry, overseen by the Supreme Court,” stated the plea.
Sandeshkhali, located in North 24 Parganas, has been a hotspot for local protests in recent days. The turmoil began on January 5, with allegations of an assault on Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials in the area. The Central Investigation Agency subsequently conducted a search operation at the residence of Trinamool leader Shahjahan Sheikh, who has been on the run since the attack on ED officials.
The violence in Sandeshkhali has resurfaced, with a group of locals taking to the streets to express their dissatisfaction with Shah Jahan’s relatives. Incidents of riots and arson have been reported sporadically, indicating the volatile nature of the situation in the region.
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