In a significant development, the Calcutta High Court has directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to take over a long-pending probe into the death of a Trinamool Congress activist from West Bengal's Hooghly district. The order came on Thursday, responding to the family's plea alleging a lack of progress by the state's Criminal Investigation Department (CID) even after 15 years.
Court Acts on Family's Plea Over Delayed Justice
Justice Tirthankar Ghosh issued the directive for transferring the investigation from the CID to the central agency. This decision was made while hearing a petition filed by the family members of the deceased activist, Rabin Ghosh. They contended that the state investigating agency had hardly made any progress in the case over the decade and a half since the incident occurred.
The family expressed deep frustration with the pace of the CID's investigation, which they claimed had failed to deliver justice. The court, acknowledging these grievances, found merit in the argument for a fresh and independent probe by a central authority.
The 2010 Election Day Shooting Incident
The tragic incident traces back to the year 2010. It took place during an election at the Jangipara Prasadpur High School in Hooghly. According to the allegations, the then officer-in-charge of Jangipara Police Station, Tapas Chakraborty, fired at Rabin Ghosh using his service revolver. The shooting led to Ghosh's death, sparking immediate controversy and demands for a thorough investigation.
The case was subsequently handed over to the CID of West Bengal Police. However, the probe seemingly stalled, with the victim's family alleging a deliberate lack of momentum in bringing the culprits to book.
Implications and the Path Forward
The High Court's order marks a pivotal turn in this protracted legal battle. By entrusting the case to the CBI, the court has emphasized the need for an impartial and effective investigation. This move is seen as a major victory for the victim's family, who had nearly lost hope after years of waiting.
The transfer also raises questions about the efficiency and perceived bias of state-level investigations in politically sensitive cases. The CBI is now expected to revisit all evidence, question key individuals, including former police officer Tapas Chakraborty, and attempt to establish the precise sequence of events that led to the activist's death on that fateful election day.
As the premier central investigating agency takes the reins, all eyes will be on whether this 15-year-old case will finally see closure and justice for Rabin Ghosh and his family.
