Sandeshkhali Violence: PIL In Supreme Court Seeks CBI/SIT Investigation On Allegations Of Sexual Assault

A PIL has been filed in th Supreme Court seeking a CBI/SIT investigation into the reports regarding sexual assault of women in Sandeshkhali in West Bengal.

Advocate Alakh Alok Srivastava, the petitioner, alleges complicity and dereliction of duty on the part of the West Bengal police and that the state police is acting "hand in gloves" with the main accused Trinamool Congress leader Shajahan Sheikh. The petitioner points out to the attack on the officials of the Enforcement Directorate which happened when the ED officials went to Sandeshkhali to raid Sheikh's house. Following that, Sheikh has absconded. The petitioner states that after Sheikh left the area, many women, mostly belonging to the Scheduled Caste (“SC”) and the Scheduled Tribes (“ST”) communities, gathered courage and came out to the streets on 08.02.2024, protesting against the alleged sexual assault and atrocities committed by the said Sheikh Shahjahan and other TMC leaders. 

The petitioner raises the apprehension that fair and impartial investigation will not happen in the case if it is left to the State police, given the fact that the main accused is an influential member of the party governing the State.

In this backdrop, the petitioner urges the Supreme Court to transfer the investigation of this case to the Central Bureau of Investigation  or a Special Investigation Team under the monitoring of the Court. He also seeks the transfer of the trial of the cases out of West Bengal. The petitioner also seeks compensation for the victims and action against erring police officials.

The petitioner places reliance on the orders passed by the Supreme Court in relation to Manipur violence constituting SITs and a committee comprising retired High Court judges to probe cases related to sexual violence against women.

Advocate Srivastava mentioned the petition before Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud on Friday for urgent listing. CJI agreed to look into the matter for listing.

Earlier this week, the Calcutta High Court took a suo motu case on the issue.