Supreme Court dismisses Bengal government’s plea challenging CBI probe into Sandeshkhali attack

The Supreme Court dismissed West Bengal government’s plea challenging Calcutta High Court’s order for CBI probe into attack on Enforcement Directorate teams at Sandeshkhali on January 5. However, adverse observations against state government and police were expunged by the SC bench headed by Justice B.R. Gavai.

In an order on March 5, Calcutta High Court directed CBI probe and transfer of accused mastermind Sheikh Shahjahan to CBI custody. State government filed a Special Leave Petition (SLP) in Supreme Court, claiming that High Court’s order was passed in a cursory manner.

“Learned Additional Solicitor General (ASG) S.V. Raju fairly states that the respondent (central agency) is not interested in maintaining those observations. He submits that if those observations are expunged, he has no objection. We are therefore not inclined to entertain the petition (filed by the state government)… However, the observations made in impugned order with regard to the conduct of police and state government shall be deemed to be expunged,” said the Bench, also comprising Justice Sandeep Mehta.