In a significant judicial development, the Calcutta High Court has ordered the transfer of the trial in the high-profile 2022 Bogtui massacre case from Birbhum district to East Burdwan. This decision came on Wednesday following a plea filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which argued that witnesses were facing intimidation and were unable to testify freely in Birbhum.
Court Accepts CBI's Transfer Plea
Justice Ajoy Kumar Mukherjee presided over the hearing and directed that the case be moved to a court in Burdwan. The CBI had approached the high court earlier in 2025, seeking the transfer of the trial outside Birbhum. The agency contended that the local environment in Birbhum was not conducive for witnesses to depose without fear, thereby hampering the pursuit of justice.
Background of the Bogtui Massacre Case
The case stems from a violent incident that occurred in March 2022 at Bogtui More in Birbhum district. According to reports, a bomb explosion allegedly targeted Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Bhadu Sheikh, leading to his death. In the chaotic aftermath, several houses were set ablaze, resulting in the tragic deaths of at least eight individuals. The massacre sent shockwaves through the region and has been under intense scrutiny since.
Previous Proceedings and Implications
Since its inception, the trial had been conducted at the Rampurhat court in Birbhum. The transfer to East Burdwan is expected to ensure a fairer trial process by removing potential local influences. This move underscores the judiciary's commitment to upholding the principles of justice and witness protection in sensitive cases.
The Calcutta High Court's ruling highlights the ongoing challenges in high-stakes legal battles in West Bengal and sets a precedent for handling cases where witness safety is a concern. The transfer is likely to impact the pace and outcome of the trial, as it moves to a new jurisdiction with potentially different dynamics.
