Bogtui Case Shifted Out of Birbhum, Calcutta High Court Accepts CBI Plea
The Calcutta High Court has ordered the transfer of the Bogtui case from Birbhum district to Purba Bardhaman. The decision came after the Central Bureau of Investigation approached the court, seeking a change in the place of trial. Until now, the case was being heard at the Rampurhat court in Birbhum.
On Wednesday, Justice Ajay Mukhopadhyay of the Calcutta High Court passed the order, agreeing with the CBI’s request. As per the court’s direction, the Bogtui case will now be heard by the District Judge of Purba Bardhaman.
The CBI had filed a petition before the High Court asking for the case to be shifted outside Birbhum. The investigating agency argued that a fair trial was not possible in Birbhum as witnesses were facing difficulties and pressure. According to the CBI, witnesses were not able to give their statements freely in the local courts due to fear and influence.
The High Court accepted these arguments and stated that the concerns raised by the CBI were reasonable and justified. The court also took into account a confidential report submitted by the Additional Sessions Judge of the Fast Track Court. This report was sent to the High Court in a sealed envelope.
After examining the report, the court observed that the facts mentioned by the CBI appeared to be true. The judge noted that the situation in Birbhum could affect the free and fair recording of witness statements. Based on these findings, the court decided to transfer the case to another district.
The CBI had made this request for transfer in the year 2025. During the hearing, the agency told the court that the trial should be held in any court outside Birbhum district. The main reason given was that witnesses were feeling unsafe and were unable to testify without fear.
The court’s observation clearly stated that the justice system must ensure a fair environment for both witnesses and the trial process. If witnesses are scared or influenced, the purpose of justice is defeated. Keeping this in mind, the High Court agreed to move the case.
The Bogtui case is related to a violent incident that took place on the night of 21 March 2022. On that night, Bhadu Sheikh, a powerful local leader of the Trinamool Congress party and the then deputy head of Barshal Gram Panchayat, was brutally murdered.
Bhadu Sheikh was killed in a bomb attack near Bogtui More, located on National Highway 14 under the Rampurhat police station area. The murder shocked the entire region due to the political influence of the deceased leader.
However, the violence did not stop with his killing. On the same night, several houses in the Bogtui area were set on fire. The arson attack led to a massive tragedy. At least eight people lost their lives in the fire. Many of the victims were reportedly unable to escape as the houses were locked or surrounded by flames.
The incident caused widespread outrage across West Bengal and the rest of the country. Questions were raised about law and order, political violence, and the safety of ordinary citizens.
Initially, the investigation of the Bogtui case was handed over to the Criminal Investigation Department of the West Bengal Police. The CID began the probe and arrested several accused persons.
Later, following an order from the Calcutta High Court, the investigation was transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation. The court felt that a central agency probe was necessary due to the seriousness of the case and its wider impact.
After taking over the investigation, the CBI continued the probe and collected evidence. During the course of the investigation, the agency felt that the trial in Birbhum could be affected by local pressure and influence.
The High Court’s latest order is seen as an important step to ensure justice in the Bogtui case. Legal experts believe that shifting the trial outside Birbhum may help witnesses speak freely and allow the court to conduct proceedings without fear or interference.
The case will now proceed under the jurisdiction of the District Judge in Purba Bardhaman. The trial will continue based on the evidence already collected and any further submissions made by the CBI and the defence.
The Bogtui case remains one of the most sensitive and high profile cases in recent years in West Bengal. The High Court’s decision highlights the importance of a fair trial and the protection of witnesses in cases involving violence and political influence.