The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has established an exclusive email address, [email protected], for the residents of Sandeshkhali in West Bengal to report incidents of land grabbing and related crimes, as per officials on Thursday. This action comes after a directive from the Calcutta High Court mandating a court-monitored CBI investigation into allegations of crimes against women and land grabbing in Sandeshkhali.
A spokesperson for the CBI stated, “The District Magistrate of North 24 Parganas has been urged to publicize the aforementioned email ID within the community and issue a public notice in vernacular newspapers with broad readership in the region, in compliance with the High Court’s order.” A division bench, led by Chief Justice T S Sivagnanam, instructed the CBI to submit a thorough report on the accusations by the upcoming hearing on May 2. Additionally, the court mandated the installation of CCTV cameras in sensitive areas and LED street lights throughout Sandeshkhali, directing the state government to allocate the necessary funds for these security measures. The court emphasized, “An impartial inquiry is necessary in the interest of justice and fairness, and for the prompt consideration of various complaints and allegations.”
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), known for its vocal stance against West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee concerning the Sandeshkhali controversy, praised the Calcutta High Court’s decision as a crucial step toward delivering justice to the victims. BJP’s national general secretary Tarun Chugh remarked that the high court’s ruling has unmasked the true nature of the TMC government. Shahjahan Sheikh, a prominent figure in the Trinamool Congress (TMC) who was arrested in February for assaulting Enforcement Directorate officials, stands accused of sexual assault and land grabbing in Sandeshkhali. The TMC suspended Sheikh shortly after his arrest.
