SC to address PIL seeking court-monitored probe into Sandeshkhali violence

The Supreme Court is set to hear a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) on Monday, urging a court-monitored investigation by either the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) or a Special Investigation Team (SIT) into the recent violence in West Bengal's Sandeshkhali village.

The plea, presented by advocate Alakh Alok Srivastava, emphasises the need for a comprehensive probe and justice for the victims affected by the Sandeshkhali violence.

The PIL, filed personally by Alakh Alok Srivastava, also advocates for compensation for the victims of the Sandeshkhali violence and calls for decisive action against West Bengal Police officials accused of neglecting their duties during the tumultuous events. The Supreme Court, comprising Justices BV Nagarathna and Augustine George Masih, will preside over the hearing.

Alakh Alok Srivastava, a practising Supreme Court lawyer, has consistently filed PILs addressing socio-political concerns, reflecting a commitment to raising pertinent issues before the apex court.

In addition to the primary call for a CBI or SIT inquiry, the PIL seeks a transfer of the investigation and subsequent trial outside West Bengal. The petitioner proposes an inquiry modelled after the Manipur violence case, urging a three-judge committee to oversee the process.

The Sandeshkhali village, situated in West Bengal's North 24 Parganas district, became a focal point for protests following allegations of sexual abuse against a local Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader. Multiple women in the locality have accused Shajahan Sheikh, a prominent TMC figure, and his supporters of land-grabbing and coercive sexual assault.

The situation intensified when Shajahan Sheikh, allegedly affiliated with a mob, went missing after a group purportedly linked to him attacked Enforcement Directorate officials during a corruption case-related search at his premises.