In connection with the Sandeshkhali case, where four officials from the Directorate of Enforcement were attacked, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has completed a search at the residence of suspended Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Sheikh Shahjahan in North 24 Parganas district, West Bengal. The incident occurred while the officials were raiding Sheikh Shahjahan’s residence in Sandeshkhali village.
Earlier today, the central agency initiated the search at Sheikh Shahjahan’s residence following a directive from the Calcutta High Court. The court had ordered the Crime Investigation Department (CID) to hand over custody of Sheikh Shahjahan to the CBI on Wednesday.
After receiving custody of Sheikh Shahjahan from the CID, the CBI took him to Joka ESI Hospital for a medical examination. The Calcutta High Court had issued a contempt notice to the West Bengal CID, criticizing their handling of the investigation into the attack on ED officials and ordering the transfer of custody to the CBI.
The High Court remarked that the state police had been playing a game of “hide and seek” in the matter and emphasized the need for a thorough investigation by the CBI. The court directed that the custody of the accused, Sheikh Shahjahan, be transferred to the CBI by 4:15 pm on the same day.
Sheikh Shahjahan, a prominent political figure, was arrested by the West Bengal police on February 29, after weeks of inaction. He was remanded to 10-day police custody by the Basirhat Court. Shahjahan is also a key accused in cases involving extortion, land grab, and sexual assault in Sandeshkhali.
Sandeshkhali, located in North 24 Parganas district, has been witnessing widespread protests against Sheikh Shahjahan, particularly from women seeking justice for alleged atrocities committed by the TMC leader and his associates. Numerous women in the area have accused Shahjahan and his aides of coercion, land grabbing, and sexual assault, leading to heightened tensions and demonstrations in the region.
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