KOLKATA: The Calcutta High Court delivered a sharp reprimand to the Mamata Banerjee government in West Bengal on Thursday as it heard affidavits seeking a probe into the allegations of extortion, land grab and sexual assault in Sandeshkhali.
The bench led by Chief Justice TS Sivagnanam said the state government could not shirk accountability if the allegations were found to be true.
"Even if one affidavit is correct, it is shameful. Even if one per cent is true, it is absolutely shameful. West Bengal says it is safest for women. Even if one affidavit is proven to be right, all of this falls," it said, "The entire district administration and ruling party have 100 per cent moral responsibility," the court order added.
The court also ripped into the lawyer representing Sheikh Shahjahan, who was arrested on February 29 after spending nearly two months evading the authorities. The delayed arrest triggered criticism of the Bengal government and prompted the High Court to issue a pointed order to the state.
The court order mentioned that Sheikh Shahjahan was on the run for 55 days. "He was playing hide-and-seek. Then you took an obscure stance. (Just because) you close your eyes the world doesn't become dark," the Chief Justice added.
Shahjahan's lawyer said that his client was told to remain absconding while the bail plea was pending.
The court eventually reserved its verdict on this matter.
Earlier, the court had directed the investigation into the attack on ED officials allegedly at the behest of Sheikh's supporters to be transferred to the CBI, as well as giving it custody of Shahjahan Sheikh.
