Kolkata, July 7, 2025 — In a significant development in West Bengal’s controversial Sandeshkhali post-poll violence case, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has officially registered a First Information Report (FIR) against former Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Sheikh Shahjahan and 24 others. This FIR pertains to the 2019 killings of three BJP workers — Pradeep Mondal, Devdas Mondal, and Sukanta Mondal — allegedly at the hands of a mob led by Shahjahan following the conclusion of state elections.

The case, initially under the purview of the West Bengal Police, has now been taken over by the CBI after a directive from the Calcutta High Court, citing multiple lapses in the state-led investigation.

The 2019 Sandeshkhali Violence Case: What Happened

The 2019 post-election violence in Sandeshkhali, North 24 Parganas, had sent shockwaves across Bengal. The three BJP workers — Pradeep, Devdas, and Sukanta Mondal — were found dead after a violent mob attack on their village. Allegations were made that the mob was led by Sheikh Shahjahan, then an influential figure in the TMC’s local unit.

Though an FIR was filed at the time, the families of the deceased claimed the state police failed to act decisively, letting the primary accused go scot-free. Dissatisfied with the investigation, the families approached the Calcutta High Court, seeking a central probe.

CBI Takes Over the Probe on High Court Orders

Responding to the plea, Justice Joy Sengupta of the Calcutta High Court noted that the state police’s inaction resulted in a serious miscarriage of justice. The CBI was instructed to form a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the case "with utmost seriousness", and the probe will be monitored by a Joint Director-level official of the central agency.

“In the present case too, which has even more serious charges, I find that the police failed to take action against the prime accused at different stages, leading to a gross miscarriage of justice,” Justice Sengupta remarked during the hearing.

The court added that it would not be appropriate to entrust the investigation again to the same police force that had previously mishandled the matter.

24 Others Named Alongside Sheikh Shahjahan

The CBI FIR includes the names of 24 additional accused individuals, all allegedly involved in the 2019 mob violence. According to preliminary records, these individuals were either part of the mob or facilitated the attack, which was orchestrated with political motivations shortly after the polls concluded.

With the CBI now handling the case, fresh summons and questioning of these individuals are expected in the coming weeks.

Sheikh Shahjahan’s Legal Troubles Multiply

Sheikh Shahjahan, once a prominent TMC leader from Sandeshkhali, has been embroiled in multiple legal controversies. He was arrested in January 2024 for his alleged involvement in attacking Enforcement Directorate (ED) officers during a raid at his residence in Sandeshkhali. He is currently in judicial custody in connection with that case and several other Sandeshkhali-related FIRs.

His expulsion from TMC came amid growing pressure on the ruling party following widespread protests in the region and political backlash from the opposition.

Political Fallout and Reactions

The transfer of the case to the CBI has intensified the political slugfest in West Bengal, especially as the state gears up for the 2026 Assembly elections. The opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has repeatedly accused the TMC government of shielding political criminals and suppressing evidence in Sandeshkhali and other similar incidents.

Senior BJP leaders, including Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, have welcomed the court's directive, stating that "truth and justice were being denied to the victims' families for too long."

Meanwhile, TMC has maintained that it has "zero tolerance for criminal elements", and the law should take its course, regardless of political affiliations.

Why This Case Is Significant

This FIR and the subsequent CBI probe carry wide implications for the political accountability of regional parties, law and order in election aftermaths, and judicial oversight in politically sensitive cases.

The Sandeshkhali violence is one among many such cases that highlight the grim reality of political violence in West Bengal, where post-election clashes often turn deadly, and law enforcement is frequently accused of bias or inaction.

A Larger Pattern of Post-Poll Violence?

The 2019 Sandeshkhali incident is not isolated. West Bengal has witnessed recurring episodes of post-poll violence, particularly in rural constituencies. Allegations have been made from both sides of the political aisle, with activists and watchdogs calling for greater electoral reforms and independent law enforcement oversight during election cycles.

With the CBI stepping in and FIRs now filed under judicial supervision, the case will set a precedent for how post-poll violence cases are prosecuted in India.

Conclusion

As the investigation gains momentum under the CBI’s supervision, all eyes will be on how the agency handles the sensitive Sandeshkhali case and whether justice will finally be delivered to the families of Pradeep, Devdas, and Sukanta Mondal. The case also shines a spotlight on the urgent need to depoliticize state police forces and ensure impartial enforcement of the law, especially in politically charged regions like West Bengal.

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