The Calcutta High Court has ordered a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the allegations of crimes against women and forcible land-grab in Sandeshkhali, West Bengal. The court, which will oversee the investigation, specifically instructed the CBI to provide a comprehensive report regarding the illegal conversion of agricultural land for pisciculture.
In its order today, the Calcutta High Court said, “Considering the complexity of the matters in Sandeshkhali, there is no doubt that an impartial investigation should be done. We are of the opinion that the state has to give proper support to whoever agency is given in charge of the investigation.”
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The High Court’s decision came weeks after women in Sandeshkhali accused local leaders from the ruling Trinamool Congress of sexual atrocities against women and engaging in land grabs. With such serious allegations at hand, the court emphasized the necessity for an impartial and thorough investigation.
This directive comes in the wake of a recent incident where villagers violently assaulted Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials during a raid on the residence of former Trinamool Congress leader Shajahan Sheikh. The raid was part of an investigation into the state’s alleged ration distribution scam.
Previously, the investigation into the attack on the ED team had been entrusted to the CBI. Now, with the court’s order, the CBI’s jurisdiction expands to encompass the broader issues of crimes against women and illegal land conversions in Sandeshkhali.
As the CBI delves into these troubling allegations, all eyes will be on the progress of the investigation and the pursuit of accountability for those responsible.
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