A Trinamool Congress leader, Sheikh Shahjahan, has been arrested in West Bengal on charges of torturing villagers in the troubled Sandeshkhali area. The arrest follows accusations of sexual atrocities on women and land grabbing in the region. Sheikh Shahjahan was apprehended from a house in Minakhah, North 24 Parganas district, where he was hiding.
#WATCH | West Bengal | TMC leader Sheikh Shahjahan being brought out of Basirhat Court by the State Police. He has been remanded to 10-day Police custody. pic.twitter.com/fSQxi6dxLM
— ANI (@ANI) February 29, 2024
The local court has granted a 10-day police custody for Sheikh Shahjahan, rejecting the police’s request for 14 days. His lawyer, Advocate Raja Bhowmick, confirmed that he would be produced in court again on March 10. Previously, the Calcutta High Court had authorized his arrest by agencies such as the CBI, the Enforcement Directorate (ED), or the West Bengal Police.
The arrest of Sheikh Shahjahan comes after the high court’s directive to the police to take action against him within seven days. Trinamool Congress, the ruling party in the state, emphasized that it does not shield wrongdoers. Sheikh Shahjahan had been on the run since an ED team was attacked by a mob of around 1,000 people during a raid on his house in connection with an alleged ration scam on January 5.
#WATCH | West Bengal | TMC leader Sheikh Shahjahan brought to Basirhat Court lockup after his arrest.
ADG (South Bengal) Supratim Sarkar said that he has been arrested in a case which happened on 5th January 2024 where ED officers were assaulted during the course of raid they… pic.twitter.com/ItD5468T3s
— ANI (@ANI) February 29, 2024
West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose has welcomed Sheikh Shahjahan’s arrest, stating that it marks the beginning of the end for criminals who have been controlling parts of Bengal. He emphasized the need to halt the cycle of violence and ensure that those involved in criminal activities are held accountable. The governor further highlighted that the incident in Sandeshkhali is just the tip of the iceberg, suggesting that there may be more to uncover.
The arrest of a prominent political figure like Sheikh Shahjahan underscores the ongoing efforts to address issues of violence, corruption, and criminality in West Bengal. It sends a message that no one is above the law and that those responsible for wrongdoing will face consequences. As the investigation continues, authorities are expected to delve deeper into the allegations against Sheikh Shahjahan and ensure justice for the victims affected by his purported actions.
Comments