The Calcutta High Court refused to grant an urgent hearing to Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and advocate Priyanka Tibrewal, who claimed that women in Sandeshkhali were being forced to withdraw the rape cases filed against Trinamool Congress (TMC) workers.

A Bench comprising Chief Justice TS Sivagnanam and Justice Hiranmay Bhattacharyya directed Tibrewal to approach the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which is handling the investigation into the allegations in the case.

Tibrewal brought up the Sandeshkhali matter before the Bench, requesting an urgent hearing of the case.

"Women aren't sleeping in their homes during night. They are hiding in the fields. They are scared. Policemen enter their homes during night and force them to withdraw the cases. Yesterday itself, a rape victim's hands were tied and she was thrown in the pond."

The counsel representing the State government opposed the contention, stating that the problems in the area were being exacerbated by Tibrewal whenever she visited.

The case revolves around allegations that lands belonging to residents in Sandeshkhali were forcefully seized by TMC strongman Shahjahan Sheikh, who was suspended by the party earlier this year. Additionally, Sheikh and his associates were accused of sexually assaulting women in the village.

After being on the run for approximately 55 days, Shahjahan Sheikh was eventually arrested by the West Bengal Police. On April 10, the High Court issued an order transferring the investigation in the case to the CBI.

Recently, the alleged victims of sexual assault disclosed that they were coerced into filing complaints against TMC workers by BJP leaders.