KOLKATA: In a major improvement, the Calcutta High Court on Wednesday directed a court-monitored Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the allegation of sexual assault and rape within the Sandeshkhali district of West Bengal. The court docket stated it might monitor the investigation, and directed the CBI to file a report on the unlawful conversion of agricultural land for pisciculture. The investigating company has been requested to provide you with a portal the place folks can register their voices. All witnesses shall be given safety.
“Considering the complexity of the matters in Sandeshkhali, there is no doubt that an impartial investigation should be done. We believe that the state has to give proper support to whoever agency is in charge of the investigation. A portal/email ID is to be launched for receiving complaints. The District Magistrate should give adequate publicity mentioning the date of release of the same in vernacular,” it stated.
“The CBI shall file a comprehensive report and also enquire and investigate the grabbing of land. The agency will have the power to enquire anyone, including common people, government departments, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs)s etc,” it stated.
Sharing extra particulars, Advocate Alok Srivastav stated, “A landmark order has been passed by the Calcutta High Court today. An order has just been pronounced directed for HC monitored CBI inquiry in Sandeshkhali sexual assault, rape cases and also in land grabbing cases. In the ED attack case, a CBI inquiry is already going on… The HC has ordered the West Bengal govt to provide adequate facilities and protection to the CBI officers and the victims of Sandeshkhali. The HC has passed a series of directions in favour of the victims. I am going to file a caveat in the Supreme Court as I am sure that the West Bengal govt is likely to challenge the order as they did in the ED attack case but the Supreme Court has dismissed their challenge…”
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#WATCH | On the Calcutta High Court order within the Sandeshkhali case, Advocate Alok Srivastav says, “A landmark order has been passed by the Calcutta High Court today. An order has just been pronounced directed for HC monitored CBI inquiry in Sandeshkhali sexual assault, rape cases… pic.twitter.com/D3OoJyAlBL
— ANI (@ANI) April 10, 2024
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Sandeshkhali, a serene riverine island, has discovered itself thrust into the highlight following disturbing allegations levelled by native ladies towards suspended Trinamool Congress chief Shajahan Sheikh and his associates. The accused, identified for his or her involvement in fish farming and buying and selling, stand accused of each land-grabbing and sexual abuse.
The controversy deepened with the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) delving into the January 5 assault on Enforcement Directorate (ED) officers. These officers, conducting a raid on Sheikh’s residence as a part of an investigation into suspected irregularities inside the state’s public distribution system, had been met with assault by supporters of the TMC strongman.
February 5 witnessed a fervent outcry from native ladies as they demanded swift motion towards Sheikh and his cohorts. Their impassioned plea included allegations of sexual misconduct and harassment, together with claims of land seizures. After evading authorities for 55 days, Sheikh was apprehended by state police on February 29, resulting in his suspension from the TMC. Subsequently, court docket directives noticed him transferred into the custody of the CBI.
Political Tensions Flare Over SandeshkhaliÂ
The ramifications of the Sandeshkhali turmoil have rippled into the political enviornment, notably amidst the build-up to the Lok Sabha elections. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing a rally in Cooch Behar on April 4, seized upon the incident to criticize the Mamata Banerjee-led administration, citing it as emblematic of the alleged mistreatment of girls underneath TMC rule.
