In a recent development, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) revealed to the Calcutta High Court that the West Bengal Police deliberately lodged false cases of molestation against Enforcement Directorate (ED) officers. The CBI stated, "State Police filed false cases of molesting women by ED officers. This is the case where the State Police wanted to implicate ED Officers in false cases."Image source - TV9 bangla
The Court was addressing one of the cases related to the Sandeshkhali issue. The ED raised concerns regarding the arrest of Shahjahan Sheikh, accused of sexually assaulting several women and illegally acquiring tribal lands, by the West Bengal Police last week.
During the hearing, Sheikh's advocate argued that the ED had suddenly increased the number of cases against Sheikh, seeking anticipatory bail. However, the central agency asserted that Sheikh should be exclusively in their custody, emphasizing that although there were multiple cases against him, he had only been arrested in two FIRs, which involved attacks on ED Officers.
Representatives of the state police claimed that the ED officers were assaulted by local villagers during raids, and they were not informed beforehand. They argued that the local police were not pre-informed about the raids, leading to the confrontation.
However, the CBI clarified that their concern wasn't against the local police but highlighted the involvement of a sitting minister and a member of the ruling party in the case. They accused the local police of diluting their complaint against the accused and failing to charge serious offenses.
The CBI also highlighted the attempt by the state police to extend Sheikh's custody beyond the legally permissible limit of 15 days, alleging that it was a tactic to delay the investigation.
The situation escalated further when a fact-finding committee, led by former Patna High Court Chief Justice L Narasimha Reddy, reported serious human rights abuses in Sandeshkhali. They criticized the police's behavior towards Sheikh and expressed difficulties in uncovering the truth due to interference from the authorities.
Shahjahan Sheikh, a Trinamool Congress leader, was arrested after evading authorities for 55 days following accusations of sexual assault and land grabbing. He has been accused of various offenses, including assaulting ED officials during a raid related to a ration scam investigation.
The case underscores the complex political and legal dynamics at play, raising concerns about the impartiality of law enforcement and the protection of human rights in the region.
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