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In a significant development, the Calcutta High Court has ordered a CBI investigation into the 2019 murder of three BJP workers in Sandeshkhali, located in North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal. Justice Joy Sengupta passed the order on Monday, marking a new chapter in a case that has been mired in controversy and allegations of political bias and police inaction.
Background of the Incident
On June 8, 2019, three individuals — Debdas Mondal, Sukanta Mondal, and Pradip Mondal — were brutally attacked and killed in Sandeshkhali. The attack occurred just after the 2019 Lok Sabha election results and was allegedly the result of ongoing political tensions between the BJP and TMC in the region.
Reports suggest that the victims were either shot or beaten to death. A TMC worker, Kayum Ali Molla, was also killed during the same violent episode.
Key Accused: Sheikh Shahjahan
One of the main accused in the triple murder is Sheikh Shahjahan, a local political figure already in custody due to a separate incident involving an alleged attack on ED officials in January 2024. Shahjahan was initially named in the FIR filed by the victims’ families, but his name was later dropped in the CID’s charge sheet — a move that sparked outrage and led to suspicions of a cover-up.
Why the Case Was Reopened
The families of the deceased accused the police of mishandling the investigation and claimed that early efforts were either absent or superficial. After years of delay in the lower court, the case was brought to the Calcutta High Court in 2024. The petitioners demanded an impartial probe, citing multiple irregularities in the earlier investigation.
High Court’s Order
After reviewing the submissions and evidence, the High Court directed the CBI Joint Director to form a Special Investigation Team (SIT) and carry out a fresh probe into the murders. The court emphasized the need for transparency and accountability, especially considering the political sensitivity surrounding the case.
Political Reactions and Next Steps
The ruling has already triggered political debate in West Bengal. BJP leaders have welcomed the decision, while TMC leaders have expressed concerns about the timing and implications of the CBI probe.
Meanwhile, Sheikh Shahjahan remains in jail custody, with his bail hearing ongoing in another case. With the CBI now entering the investigation, the case could see further arrests and revelations.
The Calcutta High Court’s decision to involve the CBI in the Sandeshkhali triple murder case marks a turning point in the pursuit of justice. For the families of the deceased BJP workers, it brings renewed hope of a fair and unbiased investigation after nearly five years.
