“Ruling Party Entirely Responsible”: Calcutta HC Slams Bengal Govt Over Sandeshkhali

Kolkata: The Calcutta High Court on Thursday rebuked the Bengal government during hearings regarding the Sandeshkhali violence. Describing the situation as “extremely shameful,” the court held the ruling Trinamool Congress-led government entirely responsible for citizens’ safety. The court emphasized that if any citizen’s safety is threatened, it’s the government’s “100% responsibility.”

Advocate Priyanka Tibrewal, petitioner in the case, presented multiple complaints from Sandeshkhali during the hearing. She highlighted incidents of alleged sexual violence and land grabbing, stating that victims faced threats if they resisted. Former Trinamool Congress leader, Sheikh Shahjahan, involved in the controversy, has been accused of land grab and sexual assault.

The Chief Justice of Calcutta High Court, TS Sivagnanam, expressed dismay over the situation, stating that even if a fraction of the allegations were true, it would be shameful for a state that boasts of being safe for women. The Chief Justice also slammed the lawyer representing Sheikh Shahjahan, advising him to address the accusations against his client before raising grievances.

Additionally, the court’s assistant reported that progress has been made in addressing land-grabbing issues, but criticized the land return process. Meanwhile, Sheikh Shahjahan, arrested in February, has been remanded in custody till April 13 in connection with a money laundering case related to alleged siphoning of funds in Sandeshkhali’s pisciculture business.