HC says satisfied with progress in CBI probe in Sandeshkhali
KOLKATA: The Calcutta High Court on Thursday expressed satisfaction with the progress of the CBI’s probe into allegations of crimes against women and land grabbing in West Bengal’s Sandeshkhali.
The court permitted the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to be added as a party to the case, following its application.
Chief Justice T S Sivagnanam, along with Justice Hiranmay Bhattacharyya, reviewed the CBI’s report and granted the agency’s request to keep the details confidential.
The court had on April 10 directed the CBI to probe the allegations of crimes against women and land grabbing in Sandeshkhali and directed it to file a progress report on Thursday.
The court, which is monitoring the investigation, had also directed the central agency to probe alleged illegal conversion of agricultural land into water bodies for pisciculture after conducting a thorough inspection of revenue records and physical inspection of land alleged to have been converted.
Holding that its presence will assist the court in the present case, the bench granted permission to NHRC to be added as party to the matter.
The court is hearing a suo motu petition and other PILs with regard to the incidents in Sandeshkhali.
Stating that there are over 900 allegations of land grabbing, the CBI sought the court’s direction to the state authorities for cooperation.
The court directed the state authorities to extend “fullest cooperation “and said if there is any shortage of staff, appropriate authorities will deploy additional staff for the purpose and they will work in tandem with the CBI.
The court scheduled the next hearing for June 13, directing the CBI to submit a further progress report.
There are over 900 allegations of land grabbing, the CBI sought the court’s direction to the state