On Saturday, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) made three arrests, including the brother of suspended TMC leader Shajahan Sheikh, for their alleged involvement in the attack on an Enforcement Directorate (ED) team on January 5 in Sandeshkhali, West Bengal. The arrested individuals are identified as Sheikh Alomgir, who is the brother of Shahjahan Sheikh, Mafujar Molla, the president of the TMC’s student wing in Sandeshkhali, and Sirajul Molla, a local resident. They are set to appear before a local court on Sunday.
The arrests were made after the CBI took over three FIRs registered by the West Bengal Police, following directives from the Calcutta High Court. The agency took custody of the three individuals during their interrogation. According to officials, the arrests were made based on detailed examination and technical evidence collected during the investigation.
These recent arrests bring the total number of individuals apprehended by the CBI in connection to the case to 14. The agency suspects that the arrested individuals were part of the group that attacked the ED officials on January 5 and allegedly incited a crowd to target the team during a raid on Sheikh’s premises in Sandeshkhali.
Shajahan Sheikh was arrested on February 29 after being on the run for 55 days following violent protests, including allegations of sexual atrocities and land grabbing. He disappeared after a mob attacked the ED team conducting a search at his house in connection to an alleged ration distribution scam. Initially arrested by the state CID, Sheikh was later handed over to the CBI following an order from the Calcutta High Court.
On March 10, the court granted the CBI custody of Sheikh for four days, which was subsequently extended by another eight days until March 22. The CBI is currently investigating three cases related to the incidents of January 5, when the ED team was assaulted by a mob of around 1,000 people. Additionally, a former state minister has been arrested in connection to the ration scam case.
Sheikh’s arrest by the state police on February 29 came a day after the high court ruled that the CBI, ED, or the West Bengal Police could take him into custody. The investigation into the matter continues as authorities work to bring all those involved to justice.
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