Did CBI Really Take Over the Murder Investigation of 3 BJP Workers in Bengal's Sandeshkhali?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- CBI has taken over the murder investigation of three BJP workers in Sandeshkhali.
- Sheikh Shahjahan is a key suspect, facing multiple charges.
- The investigation highlights ongoing political tensions in West Bengal.
- Judicial oversight is crucial in ensuring accountability.
- Public interest remains high in the outcomes of this case.
Kolkata, July 6 (NationPress) Following a directive from a single-judge bench of the Calcutta High Court last week, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has assumed control of the investigation into the murder of three BJP workers that occurred in 2019 at Sandeshkhali, located in West Bengal's North 24 Parganas district, after registering an FIR.
One of the primary suspects in this case is the now-suspended Trinamool Congress leader Sheikh Shahjahan, who also stands accused of assaulting personnel from the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) in front of his home in January 2024.
On June 30, the single-judge bench presided over by Justice Jay Sengupta mandated a CBI investigation into the murders of BJP workers Pradip Mondal, Debdas Mondal, and Sukanta Mondal that took place in June 2019, instructing the central agency to initiate the investigation through a special investigation team.
In addition to the assault on the ED officer and CAPF personnel, Shahjahan faces multiple charges including participation in a multi-crore ration distribution fraud in West Bengal, sexual harassment allegations, and illegal land grabbing in Sandeshkhali. He is presently in judicial custody.
The CBI is already investigating these three incidents: the assault on ED officers, sexual harassment claims, and land grabbing in Sandeshkhali.
Regarding the murder of the three BJP workers, Shahjahan's name was included in the initial charge sheet during the investigation led by the North 24 Parganas district police. However, after the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the state police took over, his name was omitted from the charge sheet.
A petition was filed at the Calcutta High Court claiming that the state police were protecting Shahjahan in this case and requested a CBI investigation. Ultimately, on June 30, Justice Sengupta's bench ordered the CBI to take over the case.