The Calcutta High Court on Wednesday issued a significant order, mandating a court-monitored investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into the alleged incidents of sexual assault and land grabbing in Sandeshkhali.
Emphasising the necessity for an impartial inquiry in the interest of justice and fair play, the division bench of Chief Justice T S Sivagnanam and Justice Hiranmay Bhattacharyya directed the CBI to create a dedicated portal for lodging complaints, ensuring confidentiality and security for victims and witnesses.
The order was issued during the hearing of several petitions filed by women in Sandeshkhali, alleging sexual assault by local Trinamool Congress leaders, along with complaints of land grabbing and violence.
Instead of constituting an expert committee, the court decided to task the CBI with investigating and submitting a report on the allegations, considering the gravity of the accusations and the volume of complaints.
Parties have been given two weeks to file complaints before the CBI, which will establish a dedicated portal/email ID for this purpose. The court instructed the District Magistrate to publicize this information locally and issue a Public Notice in vernacular newspapers.
The CBI is directed to examine the Sandeshkhali complaints and file a comprehensive report on the steps taken, including investigating allegations of land grabbing.
The agency has been granted the authority to question any relevant individuals or entities and inspect revenue records to address concerns of illegal land conversions.
The court will closely monitor the investigation and issue further orders based on the CBI’s reports. Regarding the protection of victims and witnesses, the CBI has been instructed to collaborate with the State Police to provide necessary security, deviating from strict procedural requirements outlined in the Witness Protection Scheme.
The next hearing in the Sandeshkhali incidents is scheduled for May 2, where the court will assess the progress of the investigation and address any further issues that may arise.
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