📷 Image Credits: Indian Legal News
Supreme Court Dismisses West Bengal Govt’s Pleas in Sandeshkhali Violence Case
In a significant development, the Supreme Court today dismissed West Bengal government’s pleas against direction for CBI enquiry into the Sandeshkhali violence. The bench of Justices BR Gavai and KV Viswanathan was dealing with a petition filed by the State of West Bengal against the Calcutta High Court directing CBI to investigate the allegations of land-grabbing and sexual assault in Sandeshkhali by Shajahan Sheikh, a now-suspended member of the Trinamool Congress, and his followers. The matter had come up earlier on April 29 when Justice Gavai remarked on the State’s involvement in the case.
Senior Advocate Jaideep Gupta, appearing for West Bengal, argued that there had been comments about the State government not taking sufficient action despite the alleged crimes. The hearing was then adjourned, and later when Senior Advocate Dr. Abhishek Manu Singhvi appeared, he argued against the impugned directions sought by the CBI. Singhvi pointed out multiple FIRs related to different incidents, including a ration scam, for which the petition was filed. However, the bench was not convinced and passed its order dismissing the plea. The bench clarified that the observations in the order shall not influence CBI’s impartial investigation.
The unrest in Sandeshkhali began with an assault on ED officers by followers of Shahjahan Sheikh. The situation escalated with reports of sexual assault and land grabbing attributed to Shahjahan and his followers. The Calcutta High Court later ordered a CBI probe into the allegations, taking judicial notice of the situation. Several arrests were made, and protests ensued, with the case becoming a political flashpoint between various parties.
Sheikh Shahjahan, who was a key figure in the allegations, was ultimately arrested by the West Bengal Police in connection with the assault on the ED officials. The suspended Trinamool leader faces accusations of sexual assault and land-grabbing by several women in Sandeshkhali. The Supreme Court’s decision upholding the High Court’s order for a CBI probe marks a significant development in the case, emphasizing the need for a thorough investigation into the alleged crimes.
The political storm surrounding the Sandeshkhali case has put the spotlight on issues of corruption, sexual assault, and land grabbing, bringing national attention to the otherwise small Indian village near the Bangladesh border. The dismissal of West Bengal government’s pleas by the Supreme Court signifies a crucial step in ensuring justice for the victims and holding accountable those involved in the alleged crimes.
