Investigations into cases against Sheikh Shajahan in the Sandeshkhali incident now under West Bengal CID's jurisdiction
Amidst escalating tensions in Sandeshkhali, the apprehension of TMC leader Sheikh Shahjahan is a pivotal development in the ongoing dispute.
In a significant turn of events, the West Bengal Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has assumed control of the investigation into the cases against Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Sheikh Shajahan, as reported by officials. This development follows the morning arrest of Sheikh Shahjahan by the West Bengal Police from the Sarberia area in the aftermath of the Sandeshkhali violence. Currently held in police custody in Basirhat, Sheikh Shahjahan faces a 10-day remand in connection with the Sandeshkhali case.
The apprehension of TMC leader Sheikh Shahjahan coincides with escalating tensions in the Sandeshkhali area of North 24 Parganas. Law enforcement authorities view his arrest as a crucial step to address the ongoing unrest in the region.
Sources indicate that Sheikh Shahjahan was apprehended in the Minakhan area based on a directive from the Kolkata High Court empowering enforcement agencies to act against those involved in the Sandeshkhali violence. Subsequently, he was taken to the Basirhat Court for further legal proceedings.
Sheikh Shahjahan's arrest carries legal significance as it aligns with directives from the Kolkata High Court, emphasizing the state's commitment to maintaining law and order in the tumultuous Sandeshkhali region.
The Trinamool Congress (TMC) celebrated the arrest of Sheikh Shahjahan, their leader accused of instigating violence in Sandeshkhali, attributing the breakthrough to court rulings that paved the way for his apprehension. Conversely, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) dismissed the arrest as a staged event, alleging Sheikh had been under the protective custody of the West Bengal Police.
TMC spokesperson Kunal Ghosh commended Sheikh Shahjahan's timely arrest, emphasizing the legal obstacles initially impeding the process. Ghosh highlighted that once the court clarified the absence of any injunction against Sheikh's arrest, the West Bengal Police promptly executed their duty. He accused the opposition of capitalizing on the earlier legal ambiguity surrounding Sheikh's arrest.
The BJP cast doubt on the authenticity of Sheikh's arrest, labeling it as a preconceived narrative orchestrated by the TMC and the state police. State BJP spokesperson Samik Bhattacharya contended that Sheikh had been under the protective custody of the West Bengal Police since Tuesday night, implying a lack of sincerity in the arrest.
The Sandeshkhali region, bordering the Sundarbans, has been engulfed in turmoil for over a month due to protests stemming from allegations of sexual abuse and land encroachment against Sheikh Shajahan and his associates. Evading authorities since January 5, Sheikh triggered widespread unrest following a violent altercation with Enforcement Directorate officials in the area.
