HC: Bolpur PS report be treated as 2nd chargesheet against Kajal Sheikh

Kolkata: In a case relating to alleged political murder by the Trinamool Congress’ Birbhum leader Kajal Sheikh, the Calcutta High Court has directed the state to place the report by the Birbhum Police Station, compiled after further investigation, in the form of supplementary chargesheet at the trial court.

In the case, the trial court had earlier considered the prayer of the prime accused Kajal Seikh, chief of Birbhum Zilla Parishad, for further probe in an alleged political murder case against him. The bench of Justice Shampa Dutt (Paul) was moved by the petitioner who is the father of the victim (son). The son was allegedly murdered for political reasons by Sheikh.

He challenged the trial court order directing further probe. The petitioner’s counsel submitted he was an eyewitness of his son’s murder. The petitioner challenged the order on the ground that the investigation was already completed and a chargesheet was submitted against the prime accused along with other accused persons. Hence, the trial court order was against the interest of justice and should be set aside. The trial court in its order had mentioned that Sheikh had informed the investigating officer (IO) of the case that at the time of the incident he was at the state Assembly and had sent documentary proof of the same. Despite this, the IO didn’t pay heed to such proof which comprised gate pass of Assembly and CCTV footage. The High Court noted that in the report of the sub inspector of Bolpur Police Station during further probe, it was mentioned that information received from assistant secretary of Assembly stated that there was no CCTV provision in Assembly House then (2015). Further, the office of the chief government whip of the Assembly could not confirm as to whether Kajal Sheikh was present at the Assembly premises even though a pass was issued in his name.

The court noted that “further investigation” was already completed and any interference would be “unwarranted”. The court directed that this report be placed in the trial court in the form of a supplementary chargesheet and the trial court subsequently shall proceed with the trial expeditiously in accordance with law.