Tensions escalated in Sandeshkhali as Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Sheikh Shahjahan was apprehended by the West Bengal police on Thursday morning. The arrest comes in light of allegations involving ‘sexual assault and land grab’ against Shahjahan, according to officials.
Minakhan SDPO Aminul Islam Khan confirmed the arrest, stating, “Shahjahan was apprehended from Minakhan in the North 24 Parganas district.”
“He will be produced before the Basirhat Court at 2 pm today,” the SDPO added. Shahjahan had been evading arrest by both state and central agencies for over a month.
Sandeshkhali in West Bengal’s North 24 Parganas district has been witnessing widespread protests against TMC strongman Shahjahan Sheikh this month as a section of women were seeking justice against alleged atrocities committed by the TMC leader.
A large number of women in Sandeshkhali had accused Shajahan Sheikh and his close aides of “land-grab and sexual assault” under coercion.
The arrest comes three days after the Calcutta High Court Chief Justice ordered to add Sheikh Shahjahan to the Sandeshkhali case.
On February 26, Calcutta HC Justice asked to issue a notice in the case and said, “There is no reason to not arrest him. “Public notice shall be given in this case. There is no stay order in Sandeshkhali cases. There is no reason to not arrest him,” the Court said.
Finally #SandeshkhaliHorror accused & TMC goon Shahjahan Sheikh is arrested by #Bengal police.
So? What is there to rejoice?
Consider this👇
1. He is arrested JUST one day after Calcutta HC giving permission to CBI & ED to arrest him
2. Till then he was SUPPOSEDLY absconding… pic.twitter.com/DLE4MyNZiF
— BhikuMhatre (@MumbaichaDon) February 29, 2024
There is no reason to not arrest him,” the Court said. Earlier, the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) had on February 23 raided nearly half-a-dozen locations in West Bengal including residences of Trinamool Congress leader Sheikh Shahjahan and his close aides in connection with the alleged land grabbing case.
( With inputs from ANI)
