NIN365 Desk, Kolkata : The Calcutta High Court has directed the formation of a special investigation team (SIT) in the Sandeshkhali incident. The SIT will be headed by a senior official from the CBI and the state police, serving as the Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP). However, no police official from the Basirhat Police District can be part of this special investigative team, according to the court’s directive by Justice Joy Sengupta. The court stated that it will oversee the entire investigation.
In the Sandeshkhali case, three FIRs have been filed, one of which is filed by the CID. Independently, a case has been filed against the police for forcefully registering a case. The third FIR is against the caretaker of Trinamool leader Shahjahan Sheikh’s house. The SIT will investigate the first two FIRs, and it includes officials from the CBI and the state police with ASP rank. The official from the Islampur Police District, Super Jaspreet Singh, will represent the state police in the team. However, the CBI has not disclosed the name of its official yet. The court has allowed the SIT to seek assistance from central forces or state police if needed.
In the aftermath of the Sandeshkhali incident, the CID expressed distrust in the state police and even raised concerns about information leakage. The CID had initially requested an investigation by the CBI or any “impartial institution.” On the other hand, the state police asserted that they have fulfilled their duties, taking specific actions and arresting several accused.
After hearing statements from both sides on Wednesday, the court ruled that the SIT should consist of officials from both the CBI and the state police. The next hearing for the progress report of the investigation is scheduled for February 12. In the Sandeshkhali case, extra solicitor general S.V. Raju and lawyer Dheeraj Trivedi represented the central government, while Advocate General Kishor Dutta and lawyer Amitesh Bandyopadhyay represented the state. The court mentioned that ten CCTV cameras have been installed, following its directive for surveillance around Shahjahan’s house.
Before the Sandeshkhali incident, the court had directed the installation of CCTV cameras in and around the Trinamool leader Shahjahan’s house. The court emphasized the need for surveillance on those entering the residence. On Wednesday, the state informed the court that ten CCTV cameras have been installed as per its directive. However, the state and the CID have conflicting claims against each other. The CID alleges that the state and the ID are against each other in the Sandeshkhali case. The CID claims that Shahjahan Sheikh is sending threatening messages similar to Osama bin Laden’s voice messages. Despite this, the police have been unable to locate him. The ID, countering the accusations, stated that Shahjahan is using a voice-changing technique and sending messages like “I am Subhas…” The police questioned what more they could do in this situation, prompting the court to instruct the formation of the special investigation team.
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