Calcutta High Court directs CBI to protect witnesses in Sandeshkhali case

The Calcutta High Court has directed the CBI to ensure the safety of witnesses in the case against Sheikh Shahjahan related to the attack on ED and CAF personnel in West Bengal. The division bench emphasized the importance of witness safety, especially since most are locals of Sandeshkhali dependent on the area for their livelihoods. The CBI has been directed to file an affidavit before the next hearing on April 4.
The Chief Justice questioned why Sheikh Shahjahan is still a member of Zilla Parishad despite being suspended from his party, to which the state government assured further investigation. BJP leader Priyanka Tiberwal mentioned local women from Sandeshkhali wanting to be parties in the case after attending PM Modi’s rally, prompting the Chief Justice to address the need for proof of residency.

The Calcutta High Court directed the CBI to ensure the safety and security of witnesses in the ongoing case against Sheikh Shahjahan over the attack on ED and CAF personnel at Sandeshkhali. The responsibility of witness safety rests with the CBI during the investigation, as reiterated by the division bench.

The CBI has been instructed to submit an affidavit regarding witness safety before the next hearing on April 4. The state government will also investigate why Sheikh Shahjahan remains a member of Zilla Parishad despite party suspension. BJP leader Priyanka Tiberwal raised concerns about local women wanting to join the case, prompting the Chief Justice to stress the importance of proving residency.