HC asks CBI to probe cases of missing girls from West Bengal

A bench of justices Sanjeev Khanna and S P Garg also asked CBI to file a status report in the matter in four months and posted it for April 8, 2013.

"In view of the gravity of the situation, the sensitivity of the issue, the plight of the parents of these girls...We are of the opinion that it would be appropriate if the investigation is conducted by the CBI. Accordingly, we direct the SHO concerned to hand over the records to CBI," the bench said.

It asked the premier investigating agency to appoint a competent officer to "look into the matter, complete the enquiry and expeditiously file a report in a sealed cover."

The bench was hearing a habeas corpus petition filed by one Ajit Mohali, from village Teetulati in 24 Pargan district of West Bengal, alleging that his daughter had been brought to Delhi from West Bengal through a placement agency six years ago but she has not contacted home since then.

He also alleged that four other girls from his village were also brought by one Jaya for one Maa Durga placement agency, run by Jay Deb Das, but they too have not contacted their houses since then.

The man, in his plea, said girls went missing and an FIR was registered in West Bengal. MORE