Jul 08, 2024 12:50 PM IST
“Why is the state trying to protect somebody?” asked the top court.
The Supreme Court dismissed the West Bengal government’s appeal against a Calcutta high court order directing Central Bureau of Investigation or CBI enquiry into allegations of land-grabbing and sexual assault in Sandeshkhali. “
“Why should the state be interested in protecting someone?” a bench of Justices BR Gavai and KV Viswanathan observed, adding that on the last date of hearing, the counsel appearing for the West Bengal government said the matter be adjourned after the apex court asked this specific query.
“Thank you. Dismissed,” the bench said.
The top court was hearing the state government’s plea challenging the Calcutta high court’s April 10 order.
While hearing the plea on April 29, the Supreme Court asked the West Bengal government as to why the state should come in as a petitioner for “protecting the interest” of some private individuals.
In its plea before the apex court, the state government said the Calcutta high court’s order demoralised the entire state machinery, including the police force.
The CBI is already investigating the case of attack on the Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials in Sandeshkhali and has registered three FIRs related to incidents on January 5.
Noting that the investigation will be monitored by the court, the Calcutta high court directed the CBI to file a comprehensive report on the alleged illegal conversion of agricultural land into water bodies for pisciculture after conducting a thorough inspection of revenue records and physical inspection of land alleged to have been converted.
The high court also directed the CBI to investigate allegations of crimes against women and land grabbing in Sandeshkhali and submit a comprehensive report to it on the next date of hearing.
(With inputs from PTI)
