Sheikh, a TMC leader and upa pradhan of Boroshal gram panchayat, was killed by some miscreants on March 21 at around 8:30 pm.
This led to a violent backlash in which around 10 to 12 houses were torched and at least 8 persons were burnt alive, Times Now reported.
The State government responded by constituting a special investigation team (SIT).
One of the petitions before the High Court stated that the SIT has already given many contradictory statements on the issue and that it will only act as a “slave of the ruling party”.
“The SIT will leave no stone unturned to cover up the issue,” the petition stated.
All media reports say that the violence took place at the instance of hooligans associated with the TMC, the plea added.
During the hearing on Wednesday, the petitioners contended that there are two witnesses to the incident and one of them has died while the other is minor who is required to be protected.
It was also submitted that eyewitnesses are being threatened and all the village residents especially men, have been forced to leave and therefore, there is a need to provide security to villagers.
The petitioners also raised grievance against the credibility of the SIT constituted by the State.
Advocate General SN Mookherjee submitted that the investigation is underway and the appropriate directions may be issued for the purpose of protecting scene of crime, witnesses etc.
He has also submitted that the forensic team of the State has collected and is in the process of collecting the evidence which is being examined.
It was his contention that unless the State is given an opportunity to produce report of investigation and court is satisfied that investigation is not carried out properly, there is no need to transfer the case to CBI or any other agency.
Source: Barandbench
