Supreme Court Rejects Bengal Govt's Plea Against CBI Probe into Sandeshkhali Allegations

Apex Court Dismisses State's Challenge to Calcutta HC Order

In a major setback for the West Bengal government, the Supreme Court on Monday dismissed the state's plea challenging the Calcutta High Court's order for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into allegations of crimes against women and land grabbing in Sandeshkhali.

The top court's bench of Justices B.R. Gavai and K.V. Viswanathan questioned the state's interest in "protecting someone" and observed that the state's counsel had earlier sought an adjournment after the court asked a similar query during the previous hearing.

CBI Probe Ordered by Calcutta HC

The Calcutta High Court had, in its April 10 order, directed a court-monitored CBI investigation into the Sandeshkhali case, stating that an "impartial inquiry" was necessary "in the interest of justice and fair play."

The high court had also instructed the CBI to file a comprehensive report on the alleged illegal conversion of agricultural land into water bodies for pisciculture, as well as investigate the allegations of crimes against women and land grabbing in the area.

State's Plea Rejected

In its plea before the Supreme Court, the West Bengal government had argued that the high court's order had demoralized the entire state machinery, including the police force.

However, the apex court dismissed the state's petition, with the bench asking, "Why should the state be interested in protecting someone?"

CBI Already Investigating Attack on ED Officials

The CBI is already investigating the case of the attack on Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials in Sandeshkhali and has registered three FIRs related to incidents on January 5.

The Supreme Court's decision to reject the state's plea means that the CBI investigation into the Sandeshkhali allegations will continue, with the high court monitoring the probe.

Conclusion

The Supreme Court's dismissal of the West Bengal government's plea is a significant development in the Sandeshkhali case, which has been marked by allegations of crimes against women and land grabbing. The CBI investigation, as directed by the Calcutta High Court, is now set to proceed, with the apex court refusing to halt the probe.