The Calcutta High Court’s Chief Justice Division Bench has issued an order to transfer the Sandeshkhali case, involving the alleged attack on Enforcement Directorate officials by locals, to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The same bench has also instructed for the custody of suspended Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Sheikh Shahjahan to be handed over to the CBI.
In addition, the Division Bench has revoked a previous order that formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to look into the attack on ED officials. Two cases filed at Nazat Police Station and one at Bongaon Police Station against Shahjahan have also been directed to be transferred to the CBI.
The High Court has ordered the West Bengal Police to transfer Shahjahan and all related inquiry documents to the CBI by 4:30 pm on Tuesday. The bench, led by Chief Justice TS Sivagnanam, highlighted Shahjahan’s status as an elected official and emphasized the need for justice and protection of fundamental rights by transferring the cases to the CBI.
Shahjahan was arrested by the West Bengal Police for allegedly assaulting ED officers during a raid earlier this year. The Opposition BJP has criticized his arrest as an attempt to avoid apprehension by the ED and CBI, suggesting that he was under the “hospitality” of the state police.
In Sandeshkhali, women have been protesting against Sheikh since February, accusing him of land-grabbing and sexual assault. The widespread protests have demanded justice against the alleged atrocities committed by the TMC leader.
(This story has been published as is, without any edits by DNA staff and sourced from ANI)