An undertrial prisoner, Sajjak Alam, died during a police encounter in Goalpokhar, North Dinajpur, West Bengal. This incident, which occurred on January 15th after Alam’s court hearing, has led to a legal case now under review by the Calcutta High Court. The court is examining the circumstances of Alam’s death, adding a layer of scrutiny to the police actions involved.
Alam, facing murder charges, was returning from his hearing when the encounter took place. According to police reports, after leaving court, Alam, who lived in Chhotosohar village, allegedly fired on the officers escorting him, injuring two of them. This action then reportedly led to an exchange of gunfire. During this exchange, Alam was killed. However, the details surrounding the incident remain under investigation by the High Court.
Following Alam’s death, a legal case was filed with the Calcutta High Court, which began examining the events. A division bench including Chief Justice T.S. Sivagnanam and Justice Hiranmoy Bhattacharya is overseeing the matter. This review aims to determine whether the police’s use of force was justified in the situation, and if all procedures were properly followed.
This case has drawn attention to the existing protocols around transporting prisoners and the use of force by police. The court’s review will be important in determining if any procedures were broken. “The court has taken up the matter and is looking into all the aspects,” a court official stated, emphasizing the importance of the investigation. Therefore, the outcome of the Calcutta High Court’s review of this police encounter will likely have major implications for future cases involving prisoner transport and use of force in this region.