SC upholds CBI probe in Sandeshkhali case, Questions West Bengal govt’s intent
During the hearing, a bench comprising Justices B R Gavai and K V Viswanathan questioned the state government's motive in protecting certain individuals.
On Monday, the Supreme Court dismissed the West Bengal government’s plea challenging a Calcutta High Court order, which directed a CBI investigation into allegations of crimes against women and land grabbing in Sandeshkhali.
During the hearing, a bench comprising Justices B R Gavai and K V Viswanathan questioned the state government’s motive in protecting certain individuals. “Why should the state be interested in protecting someone?” the bench asked, noting that the state’s counsel had requested an adjournment after this query was raised. The bench concluded with, “Thank you. Dismissed.”
Sandeshkhali Case Controversy
The plea was filed in response to the Calcutta High Court’s April 10 order. The apex court, during an April 29 hearing, had previously questioned the state’s role in defending private interests. In its appeal, the West Bengal government argued that the High Court’s order had demoralized the state’s machinery, including its police force.
The CBI is already investigating a related case involving an attack on Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials in Sandeshkhali, having registered three FIRs for incidents on January 5. The High Court’s directive also includes monitoring the investigation and mandates the CBI to file a detailed report on the illegal conversion of agricultural land into water bodies for fish farming. This report should be based on thorough inspections of revenue records and physical examinations of the allegedly converted land.
Additionally, the High Court instructed the CBI to investigate the allegations of crimes against women and land grabbing in Sandeshkhali. The CBI is required to submit a comprehensive report on these investigations at the next court hearing.
This ruling by the Supreme Court reinforces the directive for a CBI probe into the Sandeshkhali case, ensuring a detailed and unbiased investigation into the serious allegations involved.
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