Bengal Government Challenges CBI Probe Into Sandeshkhali Case in Supreme Court

The CBI conducted a raid on hideouts linked to suspects in the January 5 attack on an Enforcement Directorate team, which left ED officials injured. The Trinamool strongman went into hiding for nearly two months following the attack.

This incident triggered a political controversy, with the BJP and Congress criticizing Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s government for delays in arresting Sheikh Shahjahan. Shahjahan, who was being investigated for money laundering in ration and land scams, was eventually arrested on February 29, 2004.

The Trinamool was accused of shielding Shahjahan and he was arrested only after the High Court’s direction. Trinamool MP Abhishek Banerjee’s comments regarding the court tying the police’s hands further fueled the controversy.

Additionally, the BJP fielded a woman who alleged sexual assault by Shahjahan as a candidate from the Basirhat seat. In response, Trinamool pointed to a BJP MP accused of sexual assault by women wrestlers.

Amidst these allegations, the Bengal government received a reprimand from the High Court as it heard affidavits seeking probes into the Sandeshkhali allegations. These recent events come in the wake of the attack on the Enforcement Directorate team, and the subsequent political fallout as the general election approached.

The context provides a backdrop for the ongoing tensions between political parties.