Calcutta High Court Orders Transfer of Bogtui Killings Trial to Purba Bardhaman District
In a significant judicial development, the Calcutta High Court has transferred the trial of the Bogtui massacre case from Birbhum district to the neighbouring Purba Bardhaman district. This decision came on Wednesday following a plea by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which cited severe witness intimidation and pressure tactics by supporters and relatives of the accused.
CBI's Claims of Witness Intimidation and Influence
The CBI, which has been investigating the case, approached the High Court last year seeking the transfer. The agency argued that the trial, previously held at the Rampurhat Fast Track Court, was compromised due to the accused's influence in Birbhum district. According to the CBI's counsel, most of the accused are dreaded criminals with substantial local clout, involved in activities like unauthorized money collection from transport vehicles on highways.
Key points raised by the CBI include:
- Supporters and relatives of the accused assemble at the court premises during hearings, creating an atmosphere of fear that prevents witnesses from deposing freely.
- Witnesses and accused are residents of the same village and belong to the same community, often being relatives or close friends, leading to reluctance in testifying against them.
- The law and order situation at the Rampurhat court premises has become alarming during trial dates due to large gatherings of people associated with the accused.
High Court's Observations and Supporting Report
Justice Ajoy Kumar Mukhopadhyay, presiding over the case, took note of the CBI's appeal and a report submitted by the Additional District & Sessions Judge of Rampurhat Fast Track Court. The court observed that the allegations raised by the CBI were justified. Notably, the High Court also highlighted that a report submitted in a sealed envelope by the Additional Sessions Judge (Fast Track Court) supported the CBI's claims, reinforcing the need for a change in venue to ensure a fair trial.
Background of the Bogtui Killings Case
The case dates back to March 21, 2022, when a retaliatory attack occurred in the Bogtui area of Birbhum district following the murder of two local Trinamool Congress (TMC) leaders. During the violence, several houses were set on fire, resulting in the deaths of eight people, including six women and two children. In response to the horrific incident, the Calcutta High Court had ordered a CBI probe into the matter the same year, underscoring the gravity of the case and the need for an impartial investigation.
With the trial now shifted to Purba Bardhaman district, authorities aim to mitigate the risks of witness tampering and ensure that justice is served without external pressures. This move marks a critical step in addressing the challenges posed by local influence in high-profile criminal cases, particularly in regions where accused individuals wield significant power over communities.
