Kolkata: In a significant development, the Supreme Court declined to intervene in the matter concerning the attack on Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials in Sandeshkhali, West Bengal. This decision comes as a setback for the West Bengal government, which sought to challenge the Calcutta High Court's directive for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the incident.
The Sandeshkhali case, which involves the assault on ED officials, prompted the Supreme Court to reject any interference with the High Court's ruling, which also expunged remarks against the state police.
During the hearing, the bench of Justices BR Gavai and Sandeep Mehta questioned the delay in arresting Shajahan Sheikh, a key suspect in the case. The court sought an explanation from the West Bengal government regarding the prolonged delay in Sheikh's arrest.
In response, the state's advocate clarified that the investigation had been temporarily halted due to a court stay. However, upon receiving clarification, the state police promptly arrested the accused. The advocate further emphasized that allegations suggesting delays in the probe were baseless and detrimental.
Additional Solicitor General SV Raju presented the central agency's perspective, stating that the ED officials were attacked while investigating a ration scam worth crores of rupees. Raju highlighted that subsequent cases had been filed, leading to a stay on the investigation.
The Supreme Court's decision came amid the West Bengal government's challenge to the High Court's March 5 order, which directed the CBI probe and imposed stringent compliance deadlines. The government argued that the abrupt directives left them with insufficient time to pursue legal remedies, thus violating their constitutional rights.
Furthermore, tensions escalated earlier this year when ED officials faced aggression in the North 24 Parganas district while attempting to conduct raids. Following weeks of inaction, Trinamool Congress leader Sheikh Shahjahan was arrested by the West Bengal police, leading to heightened political tensions.
The Sandeshkhali case has stirred public outcry, with allegations of sexual abuse and other offenses levied against Sheikh Shahjahan and his associates. The Supreme Court's decision marks a crucial development in the pursuit of justice for the victims and underscores the complex legal and political dynamics surrounding the case.
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