HC orders CID probe into alleged murder of 2 BJP workers, says no to 'CBI'

The Calcutta High Court has directed the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to take over the probe into the death of two BJP workers at Khejuri, East Midnapore. This decision, formalized by Justice Tirthankar Ghosh on Tuesday, comes despite the petitioners' demand for a CBI investigation. The court's ruling was notable for its critical stance on the functioning of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), stating it did not have full trust in the central agency's ability to conduct a fair inquiry in this specific case.

The case pertains to the deaths of Sujit Das (23) and Chandra Paik (65) on July 11. According to initial reports, they were electrocuted when a halogen light fell on them during a cultural event. However, opposition leader Suvendu Adhikari and the BJP have contested this narrative, alleging that the two men were murdered. The BJP claimed to have found injury marks on their bodies, prompting a petition to the High Court for a thorough investigation.

During a hearing on Monday, Justice Ghosh was particularly vocal in his criticism of the CBI, remarking that the agency was "doing a gallery show" with its investigations. This observation underpinned his decision to entrust the investigation to a state-level agency rather than the CBI, as demanded by the family members of the deceased.

In his Tuesday ruling, the judge formally handed over the case to the CID. He mandated the formation of a special investigation team (SIT) for the case, to be led by a Deputy Inspector General (DIG)-level officer from the CID. The SIT will also include officers from the CID’s Homicide branch to ensure a comprehensive probe.

The court has given the CID a clear deadline. The investigating team is required to submit a detailed progress report on the probe by September 25, which is also the date set for the next hearing. This regular reporting mechanism ensures that the investigation remains transparent and accountable to the court.