Introduction:

In a significant legal development, the Calcutta High Court, presided over by Justice Jay Sengupta, has directed the installation of CCTV cameras outside the residence of political leader Shahjahan Sheikh, a prime accused in the Ration Scam case. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) had approached the court, alleging assault by a mob allegedly instigated by Sheikh during a raid on his home. This plea prompted the court to issue directives for enhanced surveillance.

Arguments of Both Sides:

The Enforcement Directorate, represented by ASG SV Raju and DSG Dhiraj Trivedi, informed the court that their attempt to conduct a raid on Sheikh’s residence was met with resistance. The premises were locked, and they were unable to contact Sheikh. Subsequently, a mob of around 3000 people allegedly orchestrated by Sheikh attacked the ED members. The court, in response, directed the installation of CCTV cameras to monitor the prime accused’s whereabouts.

Court’s Judgement:

Justice Jay Sengupta, in the plea filed by the Enforcement Directorate against the State of West Bengal (ED v State of WB), ordered the immediate installation of CCTV cameras around locations linked to Shahjahan Sheikh. The court emphasized the need to gather information on Sheikh’s movements. Earlier, a coordinate bench had questioned inconsistencies in FIRs related to the attacks and directed the State to clarify. The case diary of FIR 9 of 2024 was reviewed, and the State was directed to submit the case diary for FIR 8 of 2024. The matter is scheduled for further hearing on January 17, 2024.