Calcutta HC directs CBI to investigate Sandeshkhali violence

The Calcutta High Court on Tuesday ordered the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to look into the Sandeshkhali case, where an Enforcement Directorate (ED) team was assaulted by supporters of former Trinamool Congress leader Sheikh Shahjahan, while they were on their way to raid his house. The court also asked the police to transfer Shahjahan's custody to the central agency by 4.30 pm.

The order was passed by a division bench of Calcutta High Court Chief Justice T S Sivagnanam, who directed the CBI to investigate FIRs No. 8 and 9 at Nazat police station and FIR No. 18 at Bangaon police station.

The high court had earlier formed a special investigation team (SIT) to probe the Sandeshkhali case. However, the division bench dissolved the SIT and assigned the CBI to handle the matter.

The Sandeshkhali case occurred on January 5, when Shahjahan and his followers attacked the ED team that was going to search his house in connection with the alleged ration scam case. Three ED officials were wounded in the attack, while Shahjahan fled and remained absconding for 55 days until his arrest last month.

The January 5 case sparked violent demonstrations by locals who accused Shahjahan and his associates of sexual assault and land-grabbing.