The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has filed an FIR in connection with the ongoing probe into land grab cases and allegations of sexual assault in West Bengal’s Sandeshkhali.

The FIR names five individuals as well as “unknown” others.

The Calcutta High Court on April 10 had called for an “impartial inquiry” and directed a court-monitored investigation by the CBI into the alleged cases of sexual assault and land grabbing in Sandeshkhali.

In January, an Enforcement Directorate team was assaulted in Sandeshkhali while conducting a search at the residence of Trinamool Congress leader and local strongman Shahjahan Sheikh.

Following Sheikh’s disappearance after the incident, protests erupted in Sandeshkhali by women who accused him of years-long sexual abuse and assault. Locals alleged that Sheikh forcibly seized their land, converting it into fisheries.

Sheikh was arrested by the Bengal police on February 29. He was suspended from TMC soon after for six years.

(ANI)