In a significant development, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) registered a fresh case on Friday against Trinamool Congress leader Shahjahan Sheikh following multiple complaints of land grabbing and extortion. The Central investigating agency is currently conducting raids at approximately six locations across West Bengal as part of an ongoing investigation into the alleged public distribution system scam involving the absconding Sheikh Shahjahan. These raids come on the heels of the agency issuing fresh summons to Shah Jahan, compelling him to join the investigation on February 29.
Meanwhile, Republic journalist Santu Pan, who was granted bail yesterday, is set to be released from jail today. Pan was apprehended by the West Bengal Police on February 19 while reporting for R Bangla from Sandeshkhali. He underwent three days of police remand before being granted bail.
The state authorities had accused Pan of outraging the modesty of a woman by entering her home during his reporting. However, the journalist vehemently denied these charges, asserting that his arrest was a consequence of his commitment to ‘exposing the truth’ in Sandeshkhali.
In light of the situation in Sandeshkhali, the judiciary emphasized the critical role of the freedom of the press, referring to it as the ‘fourth pillar’ of democracy. The bench asserted that the press must function freely and independently, without fear of reprisal or intimidation, as it plays a vital role in informing the public, empowering them, and holding the government accountable.
The unrest in Sandeshkhali escalated when a team of ED officers was attacked while en route to raid the residence of local leader Shahjahan Sheikh in connection with the multi-crore ration scam. Chief Justice Sivagnanam, leading a division bench, expressed dismay at the apparent lack of effort by the State police in arresting Shahjahan Sheikh, whom they identified as the ‘sole cause of the problem.’
Amidst the turmoil, a women’s team from the West Bengal BJP, accompanied by BJP leader Locket Chatterjee, is scheduled to visit the strife-torn Sandeshkhali on Friday. The region has witnessed protests over allegations of atrocities committed on villagers by TMC leaders. Additionally, a delegation from the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) is expected to visit the area this afternoon to assess the situation and address concerns related to human rights violations.
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