Calcutta HC Stays Order on Formation of Joint SIT for ED Attack Probe

The Calcutta High Court on Wednesday stayed a single bench’s order to establish a joint Special Investigation Team (SIT) comprised of the CBI and the West Bengal Police to investigate an assault on Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials last month.

A division bench led by Chief Justice T S Sivagnanam, ordered the stay following an appeal by the ED, which insisted that only the CBI should conduct the investigation.

The attack occurred on January 5, when ED officials were assaulted by a large mob during a search operation at the residence of TMC leader Shajahan Sheikh in Sandeshkhali, North 24 Parganas district, related to an alleged ration distribution scam in the state.

The division bench stayed the single bench’s directives, scheduling next hearing for March 6, 2024.

Previously, a single bench of Justice Jay Sengupta had mandated the formation of an SIT, with one officer of SP rank from both the CBI and the state police to lead the investigation into the attack.

The ED, in its petition, argued that the state police could not conduct an impartial probe due to the alleged involvement of a minister in the scam, which the central agency claims involves ₹10,000 crores.