Smriti Irani accepts CBI probe in Sandeshkhali case

“I would like to express my gratitude to the court for its decision,” Smriti Irani said (File)

New Delhi:

Bharatiya Janata Party leader and Union Minister Smriti Irani on Wednesday welcomed the Calcutta High Court’s order for an inquiry into allegations of crimes against women and land grabbing in Sandeshkari, West Bengal, saying it was The first step towards justice for the victims.

The high court said the investigation will be monitored by it and directed the CBI to investigate the alleged illegal conversion of agricultural land into water bodies for fish farming after conducting a thorough check of revenue records and physical inspection of the land that was allegedly illegally utilized. Submit a comprehensive report on the issue. Convert.

“I welcome the court order. It is the first step towards justice for the women of Sandeshkari, especially the poor,” Ms Irani told reporters.

Trinamool Congress strongman Shahjahan Sheikh is the main accused in Sandeshkhali’s sexual assault and land grabbing charges. He was arrested in February for assaulting Enforcement Directorate officials, who conducted a raid in the area on January 5 as part of an investigation into the ration distribution scam.

Hours after Shaikh’s arrest, the TMC suspended him.

Irani alleged that Trinamool Congress president and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has been “protecting” Sheikh instead of the Constitution. The senior BJP leader said she must now be accountable to the people of the state.

“I would like to express my gratitude to the court for its decision,” Ms Irani said, expressing confidence that the West Bengal unit of the BJP would help the Sandesh Khali case victims get justice.

Petitioner and lawyer Priyanka Tibrewal filed around 600 affidavit-form complaints before the Calcutta High Court, including complaints of alleged sexual atrocities, land grabbing and other crimes such as assault and destruction of properties.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)