The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has sought an urgent hearing of their appeal against the SIT formed by a single-judge to probe the attack on its officers in Sandeshkhali. The division bench, led by Chief Justice TS Sivagnanam, stayed the single judge's order last month and has yet to decide on the urgency of the hearing. The ED and CBI have both opposed the West Bengal Police from investigating the case against TMC leader Shahjahan Sheikh, who is also facing multiple charges of rape, land grabbing, and assault.
Calcutta High Court Showdown: ED, CBI Clash over Sandeshkhali Probe
Background:
On November 15, 2021, a violent attack erupted in Sandeshkhali, West Bengal, targeting Enforcement Directorate (ED) officers investigating a money laundering case. The ED accused Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Shahjahan Sheikh of instigating the violence.
Court Battle:
Following the incident, the ED sought to form a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the attack. However, a single-judge bench of the Calcutta High Court ordered the West Bengal Police to investigate the case.
The ED and CBI appealed against this order, arguing that the state police could not be trusted to conduct an impartial investigation due to its close ties to Sheikh. The High Court's division bench stayed the single judge's order but has yet to decide on the hearing's urgency.
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