Calcutta High Court Orders CBI Inquiry Into Sandeshkhali Rape, Land Grab, Extortion Allegations

Kolkata: The Calcutta High Court on Wednesday ordered for a CBI inquiry into the allegations of extortion, land grab, and sexual assault in West Bengal’s Sandeshkhali.

The CBI inquiry will be monitored by the court. The CBI is already investigating the January 5 attack on Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials that triggered this controversy. “Considering the complexity of matters in Sandeshkhali, there is no doubt an impartial investigation should be done. We are of the opinion the State has to give proper support to (whichever) agency is (placed) in charge…” said the Calcutta High Court.

A bench of the High Court led by Chief Justice TS Sivagnanam, reprimanded the Bengal government last week and said, “Even if one affidavit is correct… if one per cent is true… it is absolutely shameful.”

The row broke in January after a mob of Shahjahan’s supporters attacked ED officials en route to raid premises linked to the TMC leader Sheikh Shahjahan. Several officers were injured.

Shahjahan absconded after the incident and remained at large for nearly two months till the court’s direct order to the police to arrest him. During the period, several grave allegations against the TMC leader sprouted up from Sandeshkhali.

The BJP has accused Mamata Banerjee of shielding Sheikh Shahjahan. The BJP has fielded one of the women who have alleged sexual assault – Rekha Patra – from the Basirhat seat, which includes the island of Sandeshkhali.