The Supreme Court on Monday dismissed a plea filed by the West Bengal government challenging the Calcutta High Court’s directive for a CBI investigation into allegations of crimes against women and land grabbing in Sandeshkhali.

A bench comprising Justices B.R. Gavai and K.V. Viswanathan questioned the state’s motive in protecting individuals implicated in these serious allegations. “Why should the state be interested in protecting someone?” Justice Gavai queried, referring to the state’s counsel’s previous request for an adjournment.

The apex court upheld the Calcutta High Court’s April 10 order, with Justice Gavai succinctly concluding, “Thank you. Dismissed.”

The West Bengal government had argued that the High Court’s order undermined the state machinery, including the police force. However, the Supreme Court clarified that the High Court’s observations would not impede the trial proceedings.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is already probing an attack on Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials in Sandeshkhali, with three FIRs registered for incidents occurring on January 5. The Calcutta High Court had mandated the CBI to conduct a thorough inspection of revenue records and the alleged illegal conversion of agricultural land into water bodies for pisciculture.

Additionally, the High Court directed the CBI to investigate accusations of sexual assault and land grabbing in Sandeshkhali and submit a comprehensive report. The court also ordered that TMC leader Shahjahan Sheikh, arrested on February 29 in connection with the attack on ED officials, be transferred to CBI custody.