The Calcutta High Court announced on Wednesday that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) will be tasked with probing the accusations of extortion, land encroachment, and sexual assault emerging from Sandeshkhali in Bengal, just before the Lok Sabha election.

The court stated that the investigation conducted by the central agency, which is already looking into the January 5 attack on Enforcement Directorate officials that sparked this controversy, will be supervised by the court.

"Considering the complexity of matters in Sandeshkhali, there is no doubt an impartial investigation should be done. We are of the opinion the State has to give proper support to (whichever) agency is (placed) in charge..." the High Court, which last week rapped the ruling Trinamool Congress, said.

Last week, the court heard several petitions requesting external agencies to investigate the numerous disturbing allegations arising from the island of Sandeshkhali. The region has been enveloped in anger and controversy following accusations against suspended Trinamool leader Sheikh Shahjahan.

A bench led by Chief Justice TS Sivagnanam sternly reprimanded the Bengal government, stating, "Even if one affidavit is correct... if one per cent is true... it is absolutely shameful."

The controversy erupted in January when a mob of supporters of Shahjahan attacked an Enforcement Directorate team while they were on their way to conduct a raid on premises associated with him. Numerous officers sustained injuries during the incident.