Kolkata, Oct. 28 -- The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Wednesday reportedly withdrew its petitions before the Supreme Court seeking the transfer of trials in cases linked to the 2021 post-poll violence in Bengal to courts outside the state, citing changed circumstances.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the central agency, sought permission to withdraw the petitions before a bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant. The court allowed the agency to withdraw its pleas.
The CBI had earlier sought the transfer of the trials, expressing apprehension over possible intimidation of witnesses and concerns about ensuring a fair trial within the state. The agency had also relied on a report by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), which recommended that all cases investigated by the CBI in connection with the violence be tried outside Bengal.
The petitions stemmed from violence reported after the Trinamool Congress returned to power following the 2021 Assembly elections. The allegations had led to investigations into several incidents, including murder, assault and other offences.
The withdrawal comes against the backdrop of a change in the state's political leadership. The BJP formed the government in Bengal in May 2026, ending the Trinamool Congress's 15-year tenure, with Suvendu Adhikari taking over as chief minister.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.