CBI Takes Over Investigation of 2019 Violence in Sandeshkhali

CBI Assumes Control of Sandeshkhali Violence Case

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has taken charge of the inquiry into the murders of BJP workers Pradeep Mandal, Devdas Mandal, and Sukant Mandal, which occurred during the post-election violence in Sandeshkhali in 2019. Reports indicate that a First Information Report (FIR) has been filed against the main suspect, Sahajan Sheikh, a leader of the Trinamool Congress.

Officials disclosed this information on Saturday, noting that the FIR was registered following a directive from the Calcutta High Court issued on June 30. Justice Joy Sengupta has mandated the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to thoroughly investigate the case, emphasizing its 'extremely serious' nature.

The court specified that the investigation should be overseen by a joint director. The victims, Pradeep Mandal, Devdas Mandal, and Sukant Mandal, were reportedly found dead after an attack led by Sheikh's followers in Sandeshkhali village.

Initially, the West Bengal Police's CID was responsible for the investigation; however, the families of the victims petitioned the Calcutta High Court for a CBI inquiry.

Sahajan Sheikh was arrested on January 5, 2024, for allegedly orchestrating attacks on Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials during a raid at his residence in Sandeshkhali. He has been in judicial custody since then.