Calcutta HC Orders CBI Probe In Sandeshkhali Cases

BY A STAFF REPORTER: In a major development, the Calcutta High Court transferred the Sandeshkhali cases of land-grabbing and sexual exploitations to the Central Bureau of Investigation on April 10, Wednesday.

The HC also ruled that the probe will be court-monitored. As per the court orders, the victims will be able to communicate directly with the CBI through a portal. The HC further scheduled a further hearing on May 2. 

Earlier today, Union Home Minister Amit Shah also mentioned the Sandeshkhali incident while addressing a rally in Balurghat, and slammed CM Mamata Banerjee for allegedly politicizing the matter despite being a woman Chief Minister.

A village located in West Bengal's North 24 Parganas, Sandeshkhali is witnessing significant clashes and violence following allegations of systematic sexual exploitations and land-grabbing committed by TMC leaders, Shahjahan Sheikh, Shibu Hazara and Uttam Sardar. Shahjahan Sheikh remained absconding since 5th January after an ED team was attacked by a large mob while conducting raids at Shahjahan's residence.

The Enforcement Directorate arrested Sandeshkhali-accused Shahjahan Sheikh during questioning at Basirhat Sub Correctional Home in a PMLA case concerning the ration distribution case on March 30, Saturday. Previously, he was in CBI custody.