Today, 26th April, The West Bengal government contested a CBI inquiry into the Sandeshkhali violence in the Supreme Court. They argue that the state is already probing the incident effectively. This move deepens the ongoing conflict between the state and central agencies over jurisdiction and autonomy in criminal investigations. The court’s decision on this matter will likely have significant implications for future investigations involving state and central agencies.
Kolkata: The government of West Bengal escalated a legal dispute by petitioning the Supreme Court to contest a directive from the Calcutta High Court. This directive, issued on April 10, sanctioned the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to initiate an inquiry into the Sandeshkhali case. The case garnered attention due to severe allegations against some local leaders of the Trinamool Congress, the ruling party in West Bengal.
These accusations include sexual crimes against women and illegal acquisition of land.
This appeal to the Supreme Court by the Bengal government coincided with a CBI raid in Sandeshkhali, specifically targeting a residence in the Sarberia area. This house is reportedly linked to Hafizul Khan, a local leader of the Trinamool Congress. During the raid, the CBI, supported by central security forces, allegedly discovered weapons, ammunition, and numerous bombs.
Mamata Banerjee Govt has filed SLP in Supreme Court against Calcutta HC Order vide which CBI enquiry was ordered in Sandeshkhali sexual assault case.
The Apex Court will hear it on Monday-29th April.
The backdrop to these events includes a violent incident on January 5, where a group, reportedly connected to the now-suspended Trinamool Congress leader Sheikh Shahjahan, attacked officials from the Enforcement Directorate (ED). These officials conducting a search at Shahjahan’s premises as part of an investigation into a financial scam.
Sheikh Shahjahan, who evaded arrest for 55 days following the attack, was eventually apprehended on February 29 and is currently in CBI custody. He faces multiple accusations from several women in Sandeshkhali, who allege that he committed acts of sexual violence and involved in coercive land seizures.
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.