TMC leader Sheikh Shahjahan Arrested After 55 Days on the Run over Sandeshkhali case

The arrest of Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Sheikh Shahjahan, a prominent figure in Sandeshkhali, North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal, has sent shockwaves through the political landscape of the state. Shahjahan, who had been evading law enforcement for 55 days following the attack on Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials on January 5, was apprehended by state police late on Wednesday night. His arrest comes amidst a backdrop of mounting allegations of sexual assault and land grabbing leveled against him by local tribal communities.

Following Shahjahan’s arrest, the TMC swiftly moved to suspend him from the party for a period of six years, as announced by TMC MP Derek O Brien. The state Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has taken over the investigation into the cases involving Shahjahan, who was brought before the Basirhat court and subsequently transferred to the CID’s headquarters in Kolkata.

Police revealed that multiple FIRs had been registered against Shahjahan in connection with the January 5 incident, including one filed by the ED officials and another initiated suo moto by the police. Additional complaints were lodged against the ED officials by the caretaker of Shahjahan’s house, alleging theft and misconduct.

During the court proceedings, Shahjahan’s counsel argued for bail, citing his exclusion from the suo moto case. However, the court granted police custody for 10 days, allowing further interrogation and investigation into the charges against him.

The charges leveled against Shahjahan include sections such as using criminal force to deter public servants, voluntarily causing grievous hurt to public servants, attempt to murder, dacoity, and causing grievous hurt with weapons during dacoity, among others.

In response to Shahjahan’s arrest, the Calcutta high court dismissed any sympathy for him, emphasizing that the extensive list of cases against him warranted stringent action. The court firmly rebuked any attempt to expedite his bail plea, asserting that justice must be served diligently.

The Sandeshkhali region has been embroiled in turmoil since February 7, with villagers demanding Shahjahan’s arrest over allegations of land grab and sexual assault. Prohibitory orders were imposed in several areas as tensions ran high.

Pressure had been mounting on the TMC government to take action against Shahjahan, with opposition parties accusing the administration of shielding him. The Calcutta high court clarified that there was no stay preventing his arrest, paving the way for law enforcement agencies to act.

Shahjahan’s arrest has been met with mixed reactions, with celebrations erupting in some quarters while opposition parties allege a cover-up. As the dust settles on this high-profile arrest, the spotlight remains on the larger issue of lawlessness and the need for swift and decisive action to uphold the rule of law in West Bengal.