CBI Withdraws Bengal Poll Violence Pleas in SC
The West Bengal Criminal Investigation Department has since initiated fresh action in cases relating to the 2021 violence, launching 458 inquiries and registering 181 fresh FIRs.
New Delhi: The CBI on Wednesday withdrew around 20 petitions filed before the Supreme Court seeking the transfer of trials relating to the 2021 post-poll violence in West Bengal to courts outside the state, citing "changed circumstances".
A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana allowed the agency's request.
"We are seeking to withdraw owing to changed circumstances," Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told the court.
The CBI had filed the petitions in 2023, when Mamata Banerjee was the chief minister, citing alleged intimidation of witnesses, threats to prosecution lawyers and an atmosphere unconducive to fair trials.
The BJP ousted the Trinamul Congress government in the Assembly elections held earlier this year.
The West Bengal Criminal Investigation Department has since initiated fresh action in cases relating to the 2021 violence, launching 458 inquiries and registering 181 fresh FIRs.
The state agency has also reopened 59 cases in which chargesheets or final reports had previously been submitted.
The violence following the 2021 Assembly elections had triggered political controversy, with allegations of attacks, intimidation and displacement of people across several districts.
The Supreme Court had earlier stayed proceedings in several trial courts in West Bengal after the CBI raised concerns over threats to complainants, witnesses, lawyers and investigating officers.
The agency had argued that such intimidation was obstructing the administration of justice.