• By Vivek Raj
  • Mon, 29 Apr 2024 02:03 PM (IST)
  • Source:JND
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The Supreme Court on Monday raised concerns over the West Bengal government's resistance to a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Shahjahan Sheikh in the Sandeshkhali case. Justices BR Gavai and Sandeep Mehta questioned the state's stance after Senior Advocate Dr Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing West Bengal, sought additional time to provide more information on the matter.

The Court questioned the State's filing of a Special Leave Petition (SLP) against the CBI's investigation into allegations against a private individual and adjourned the matter until July, post the elections.

"Why should the State file SLP against CBI looking into allegations against a private person? Anyways we will adjourn; it will be more conducive to hear this then (after elections)," the Court said, as reported by Bar and Bench.

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The case stemmed from the Calcutta High Court's decision on April 10 to transfer the investigation into allegations of sexual assault and forcible land grabbing by TMC leader Shahjahan Sheikh to the CBI. The High Court's order followed a suo motu case and declined to appoint an Enquiry Committee, prompting West Bengal's appeal before the Supreme Court.

The High Court's proceedings were triggered by unrest in Sandeshkhali after allegations of sexual assault and land grabbing surfaced. Sheikh, evading arrest for approximately 55 days, was eventually apprehended by the West Bengal Police.

In addition to directing the CBI to ensure confidentiality for complainants, the High Court ordered the agency to establish a dedicated portal/email ID for lodging complaints, with the District Magistrate of North 24 Parganas instructed to publicize the directive adequately.

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Sheikh had previously faced controversy over his alleged involvement in a mob attack on Enforcement Directorate (ED) officers in January during a ration scam probe. The Calcutta High Court had transferred the investigation of this attack to the CBI, a decision upheld by the apex court.