ED Files Money Laundering Case Against TMC Leader Shahjahan Linked to Sandeshkhali Row

New Delhi: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) filed a money laundering case against TMC leader Sheikh Shahjahan, the key man in the Sandeshkhali row in West Bengal.

Raids are being conducted at Sheikh Shahjahan’s house and six other locations.

The women in Sandeshkhali allege that Sheikh Shahjahan is involved in land-grabbing and sexual assault on women of the area.

Shahjahan’s name came to the fore and he absconded after a mob, allegedly linked to him, attacked ED officials during a search operation related to a ration scam on January 5. The incident raised concerns about the misdeeds of Shahjahan and his supporters in the region.

Meanwhile, 17 aides of Shahjahan, including Shibu Hazra and Uttam Sardar have been arrested by the state police. But Shahjahan is absconding. The police are urging villagers to come forward with their complaints, organising camps in the area to address concerns related to land grab and extortion.

The BJP has accused the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress of shielding its strongman Shajahan.

In response, the TMC accused the ED of provoking the locals.

The Calcutta High Court has instructed a collaborative Special Investigation Team (SIT) comprising the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and West Bengal Police to probe the assault on ED officials in Sandeshkhali.