The Calcutta High Court has ordered the Bengal Police to hand over Sheikh Shahjahan, the prime accused in various criminal cases including extortion, land grab, and sexual assault in Sandeshkhali, to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) by 4:30 pm on March 5. The directive comes as the court transferred custody of Shahjahan to the CBI amid a contentious legal battle between the state government and investigative agencies.
Shahjahan, a former Trinamool Congress strongman, had been on the run since January 5 following an attack on Enforcement Directorate officials by a mob allegedly consisting of his supporters. His disappearance led to widespread political turmoil, with the ruling Trinamool Congress facing criticism from opposition parties, particularly the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), for allegedly protecting him.
After 55 days of evading authorities, Shahjahan was apprehended by a special police team and subsequently suspended from the Trinamool Congress for six years. The High Court’s decision to transfer the case to the CBI followed a series of legal challenges from both the Enforcement Directorate and the state government, each advocating for different investigative approaches.
The court’s ruling also annulled an earlier order establishing a special investigative team comprising CBI and state police officials. The Enforcement Directorate sought sole jurisdiction for the CBI, while the state government advocated for police-led investigations.
Despite the Bengal government’s efforts to challenge the High Court’s decision in the Supreme Court, its plea for an immediate hearing was rejected. Instead, the top court directed senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi to present the plea before its Registrar-General in accordance with procedural norms.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his recent visit to Bengal, sharply criticised the Trinamool Congress for allegedly shielding Shahjahan and failing to address the grievances of women affected by the Sandeshkhali incident. The PM accused the ruling party of prioritising certain individuals over the welfare of the people, which he claimed had stirred nationwide outrage.
The ongoing legal battle surrounding Shahjahan’s case underscores the deep-rooted political tensions in Bengal, with the BJP and Trinamool Congress engaged in a fierce war of words over the handling of criminal allegations and the administration of justice.
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