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SANDESHKHALI CBI UPDATE: Amidst the ongoing incident in Sandeshkhali, the High Court ordered the transfer of custody for the main accused, Shahjahan Sheikh, to the CBI on Tuesday. However, CBI officials, following the court’s directive, visited the Bengal Police Headquarters but returned empty-handed. The case is now slated to be taken to the Supreme Court. The High Court had set the deadline for the custody transfer at 4:30 pm, and a court hearing is expected on Wednesday morning.
Accusations against Bengal Police for Violating High Court Order
In the Sandeshkhali case, the Central Investigation Agency faced an empty-handed return from the Bengal Police Headquarters despite the High Court’s mandate. Officers reported the non-compliance of the local police with the court orders, leading to a further complaint lodged with the High Court. The court scheduled a hearing on this matter for Wednesday, and a significant update is anticipated. The BJP is concurrently calling for central rule in response to the situation.
#WATCH | Kolkata, West Bengal | Sandeshkhali accused Shahjahan Sheikh being brought out of Bhabani Bhaban Police Headquarters by the CBI team. He has been handed over to the CBI.
Calcutta High Court today observed that investigation into the attack on ED officials should be… pic.twitter.com/IiZ5wk0tG3
— ANI (@ANI) March 6, 2024
High Court’s Orders Disregarded by Bengal Government
The Calcutta High Court, under the leadership of Chief Justice T. S. Sivagnanam, stated that West Bengal displayed bias in the Sandeshkhali case. Noting Shahjahan Sheikh’s political and local administrative influence, the High Court deemed an impartial investigation necessary and ordered the case to be handed over to the Central Investigation Agency. The court instructed the Bengal Government to transfer Shahjahan Sheikh’s custody by 4:30 pm, and the case to the CBI. However, neither the custody transfer nor the submission of related files or information occurred.
Sandeshkhali and Shahjahan Sheikh Case Overview
On March 5, 2024, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) raided Shahjahan Sheikh, prompting an attack by Sheikh and his supporters on the ED. Subsequently, the ED referred the case to the court, unveiling numerous crimes committed by Shahjahan Sheikh, including atrocities against local women in Sandeshkhali. Over 42 cases have been registered against Sheikh for various serious crimes. The case stirred political controversy, leading to an ongoing investigation that resulted in Sheikh’s arrest after 51 days on the run. Currently, Shahjahan Sheikh is under a 10-day police remand as ordered by the court.
#WATCH | South 24 Parganas, West Bengal | CBI team takes Sandeshkhali accused Shahjahan Sheikh to Joka ESI Hospital for his medical examination after getting his handover.
Calcutta High Court today observed that investigation into the attack on ED officials should be handed… pic.twitter.com/jVkgEzVKZd
— ANI (@ANI) March 6, 2024
Women’s Commission Advocates President’s Rule
The National Commission for Women met with President Draupadi Murmu, highlighting the atrocities against women in the case and demanding the imposition of President’s rule in West Bengal. The commission presented the President with details of the matter, including statements from the women of Sandeshkhali. The Women’s Commission underscored the allegations against the Bengal government, local police, and TMC leader Shahjahan Sheikh.
BJP Joins Demand for President’s Rule
Observing the biased stance of the Bengal government and local police, the BJP expressed agreement with the court’s decision. West Bengal BJP President Sukant Majumdar emphasized that the High Court’s order signals a lack of trust in the Bengal government, characterizing it as a strong rebuke to the Mamata Banerjee administration.
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