[Sandeshkhali] Calcutta High Court Directs CBI To Evolve Method Of Confidence Building To Obtain Complaints From Sexual Assault Survivors Amid Allegations Of Threats

The Calcutta High Court on Thursday directed the Central Bureau of Investigation to evolve methods of confidence building among local women of Sandeshkhali who were victims of sexual assault in order to register their complaints amidst allegations that these women were being threatened against raising their voices. 

A division bench of Chief Justice TS Sivagnanam and Justice Hiranmnay Bhattacharya had earlier entrusted the probe into allegations of land grabbing and sexual assault to the CBI and on the present occasion was perusing a report by the agency. 

Upon perusing the report, the bench noted that while things were progressing as directed, the State had been hesitant to share land records with the CBI and directed for the same to be done expeditiously.

It was stated by Advocate Priyanka Tribrewal one of the PIL petitioners, that various victims had informed her that local goons were threatening them against revealing the details of the sexual violence suffered by them to the CBI. It was stated that while the CBI team was recording their complaints, there was no protection for them during the night-time when they were vulnerable to being attacked.

Advocate Alakh Srivastava, another litigant, submitted that akin to the Manipur violence case, a panel of female judges could be sent to the region to take complaints from the victims, while another advocate suggested that the NASLA may be directed to intervene.

In rejecting these suggestions, the Court noted that the CBI being a premier investigating agency, would have the wherewithal and wisdom to hold confidence-building exercises for the local women and that in case anyone feels a threat perception in the area, they would be free to approach the CBI for protection.

It stated that the involvement of too many people in the process would increase the fear among locals, and the CBI would always be able to extend protection to those who make a request due to threat perception.

The bench also allowed a plea for intervention by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to intervene in the matter.

Accordingly, the report by the CBI was re-sealed and the matter was adjourned for hearing after the summer vacations.

Case: THE COURTS ON ITS OWN MOTION VS STATE OF WEST BENGAL

Case No: WPA/4011/2024