Shahjahan Sheikh was handed over to CID after a medical examination, following the custody granted to the CBI.

Posted on : March 6, 2024 By Santo

Mamata Banerjee’s government in West Bengal received a significant blow from the Calcutta High Court on Wednesday. The court instructed Shahjahan Sheikh to present himself to the CBI for a duration of 15 minutes at 4 p.m. today. Notably, the CBI was accompanied by Central Security Forces on this occasion. Prior to this, a team from CID had escorted Shahjahan for a medical examination.

Court’s direction on Shahjahan Sheikh

Following a recent directive from the Calcutta High Court, the West Bengal Police transferred the custody of suspended Trinamool Congress leader Sheikh Shahjahan to the CBI.

Moreover, the CBI will assume jurisdiction over the case involving an assault on Enforcement Directorate officers in Sandeshkhali, located in the North 24 Parganas district, on January 5th.

The incident occurred during a raid at Sheikh Shahjahan’s residence in Sandeshkhali, conducted by the ED officers in connection with an alleged multi-crore ration distribution scam. Shahjahan stands accused of purportedly inciting the mob to attack the ED officials.

The Calcutta High Court criticized the Bengal Police as “completely biased” on Tuesday and directed that the investigation into the January attack on Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials in Sandeshkhali be transferred to the CBI.

Shahjahan Sheikh wanted in connection with the assault on ED officials, was apprehended on February 29 after evading capture for 55 days.

History of Sheikh Shahjahan, the contentious TMC figure from Sandeshkhali, West Bengal?

According to local TMC leaders, the ascent of 45-year-old Shahjahan has been remarkable. He became a member of the party in 2013, just two years after the Mamata Banerjee-led party assumed power in the state, displacing the Left Front government.

In his early years, Shahjahan was employed as a driver and occasionally assisted trekkers, collecting fares from passengers in Sandeshkhai and Sarberia. He developed under the guidance of his maternal uncle Moslem Sheikh, who held a position as a CPI(M) leader at the panchayat level.

Over time, Shahjahan Sheikh transitioned into the fish trade, eventually gaining control over fish farms in the vicinity. As his influence expanded, he began assembling his own group of village youths, effectively forming his own militia. According to a local resident, Shahjahan maintained connections with community leaders and provided assistance to them during electoral campaigns.

Former state minister and TMC leader Jyoti Priya Mallick recognized Shahjahan’s growing popularity and influence after the TMC’s ascent to power in 2011. However, Mallick is currently incarcerated due to his purported involvement in the multi-crore ration distribution scandal.

“Shahjahan Sheikh, acknowledged as a close ally of Mallick, officially became a member of the TMC in 2013. Since then, he has garnered significant acclaim within the party. According to numerous individuals, his authority surpassed that of many MLAs and ministers,” remarked another resident of the village.

Also Read..

Posted on : March 6, 2024 By Santo