What Did the Calcutta HC Direct CBI Regarding Cops in Post-Poll Violence?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
In a significant ruling, the Calcutta High Court instructs the CBI to provide insights into the involvement of police personnel in the murder of BJP worker Abhijit Sarkar. This case, stemming from post-poll violence in 2021, raises critical questions about law enforcement accountability. What implications could this have on public trust in the police?
Key Takeaways
- The Calcutta High Court has tasked the CBI with investigating police involvement in a high-profile murder case.
- This case highlights serious concerns regarding public trust in law enforcement.
- The murder of Abhijit Sarkar occurred amidst significant political unrest following the 2021 elections.
- The investigation has transitioned from local police to the CBI, indicating the case's complexity.
- Overall, the situation demands thorough scrutiny and accountability from law enforcement agencies.
Kolkata, July 22 (NationPress) The Calcutta High Court has mandated the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to present a report regarding the involvement of two active Kolkata Police officers, who are accused in the murder of BJP worker Abhijit Sarkar, amid the post-election unrest that ensued after the 2021 West Bengal Assembly elections.
This order was given by Justice Suvra Ghosh during the hearing of bail applications submitted by Sub-Inspector Ratna Sarkar and Home Guard Dipankar Debnath, both of whom were placed in judicial custody until July 31 by a special court on July 18.
The CBI has implicated them alongside retired Assistant Commissioner Subhojit Sen (the then Officer-in-Charge of Narkeldanga Police Station) in its most recent supplementary charge sheet regarding this case.
Justice Ghosh has directed the CBI to provide a comprehensive report by Friday, when the next hearing will take place.
During the July 18 proceedings, the special court highlighted that the alleged involvement of police officers in a murder case significantly erodes public faith. “When a protector turns into a perpetrator, the societal repercussions are profound,” the judge noted while remanding the trio to custody.
Abhijit Sarkar, a BJP worker hailing from the Kankurgachi area in North Kolkata, was reportedly murdered on May 2, 2021, coinciding with the announcement of the West Bengal Assembly election results, in which the Trinamool Congress achieved a sweeping victory.
The initial investigation was conducted by the homicide division of Kolkata Police, which filed a chargesheet with 15 accused. Following the Calcutta High Court's intervention, the inquiry was transferred to the CBI in August 2021. Subsequently, the agency filed a supplementary chargesheet in September 2021, identifying 20 accused, including the original 15 named by city police.
In its latest action, the CBI submitted another supplementary chargesheet on July 2, 2024, naming 18 additional accused, bringing the total number of defendants in this case to 38.
Point of View
It's essential to recognize the gravity of the Calcutta High Court's directive to the CBI. This case underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in law enforcement. The implications of police officers being implicated in serious crimes cannot be overstated, as it poses a significant threat to public trust and the integrity of the justice system.
NationPress
22/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the role of the CBI in this case?
The CBI has been directed by the Calcutta High Court to investigate the involvement of two Kolkata Police officers named in the murder of BJP worker Abhijit Sarkar during post-poll violence.
Who are the accused in the murder case?
The accused include serving Kolkata Police officers Sub-Inspector Ratna Sarkar and Home Guard Dipankar Debnath, as well as retired Assistant Commissioner Subhojit Sen.
When was Abhijit Sarkar murdered?
Abhijit Sarkar was allegedly murdered on May 2, 2021, which coincided with the announcement of the West Bengal Assembly election results.
What was the outcome of the initial investigation?
Initially, the Kolkata Police filed a chargesheet naming 15 accused. Following a Calcutta High Court order, the investigation was transferred to the CBI.
How many total accused are there in the case?
As of the latest chargesheet, there are a total of 38 accused in the case, including those named in previous chargesheets.
