CBI Takes Over ED Attack Case in West Bengal; Assets Worth Crores Attached in Money Laundering Probe on TMC’s Sheikh Shahjahan

In a significant development, the Calcutta High Court has transferred the case related to the January 5 attack on Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials in Sandeshkhali to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). This move follows separate appeals filed by both the ED and the West Bengal government challenging a previous single bench order.

The suspended Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Sheikh Shahjahan, arrested last week in connection with the attack, is expected to be handed over to the CBI. Shahjahan’s arrest took place in Minakhan, North 24 Parganas district, and was confirmed by Supratim Sarkar, additional director general of police (ADG) south Bengal.

Shahjahan’s arrest is linked to the assault on ED officials on January 5, which occurred during a probe into Shahjahan’s involvement in a ration scam. Initially, a single bench order had directed the formation of a joint special investigation team (SIT) comprising the CBI and the state police. However, both the ED and the West Bengal government contested this decision, with differing preferences for the investigating agency.

Responding to the appeals, a division bench, led by Chief Justice T S Sivagnanam, mandated compliance with the transfer directive by 4:30 PM on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, the West Bengal government has challenged the Calcutta High Court’s decision in the Supreme Court. Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi presented the plea before the apex court, which instructed him to bring it up before the registrar general.

Amidst these legal proceedings, the TMC suspended Sheikh Shahjahan for six years following his arrest.

The January 5 incident saw a mob attack on the ED officials in Sandeshkhali, resulting in injuries to several officers and damage to their vehicles. Subsequent protests accused Shahjahan and his supporters of misconduct, leading to further arrests, including that of Shahjahan’s aide, Shibu Hazra.

Clarifying misconceptions, the Calcutta High Court affirmed that there was no stay on Shahjahan’s probe and emphasized his need for arrest, refuting claims made by TMC’s Abhishek Banerjee.

Moreover, in a separate development, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has attached assets worth ₹12.78 crore in its money laundering probe against Sheikh Shahjahan. The agency revealed that proceeds of crime acquired by Shahjahan through criminal activities were being concealed through various properties.

These properties include 14 immovable properties in Gram Serberia, Sandeshkhali, and Kolkata, along with two bank accounts. Shahjahan faces accusations of land grabbing and sexual assault, and had been evading arrest since January 5.

In another twist to the saga, the West Bengal CID refused to hand over Shahjahan to the CBI, defying the Calcutta High Court’s orders. The central agency is investigating the attack on ED officials by Shahjahan’s supporters in Sandeshkhali.

The arrest and subsequent legal proceedings surrounding Shahjahan have intensified political tensions in West Bengal, particularly in the run-up to the Lok Sabha elections. The BJP has capitalized on the situation to criticize the ruling TMC government, accusing it of protecting Shahjahan despite serious allegations against him. Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the incident during a recent rally in Hooghly, emphasizing the need for justice and accountability.

In conclusion, the transfer of the case to the CBI and the subsequent arrests and legal actions underscore the gravity of the situation and the efforts to ensure justice prevails amidst the political turmoil in West Bengal.