Sandeshkhali Accused Sheikh Shahjahan Handed Over to CBI

Kolkata: The West Bengal Police has transferred the custody of Sheikh Shahjahan, a suspended Trinamool Congress leader, to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) following a recent directive from the Calcutta High Court. This move comes in light of the attack on Enforcement Directorate (ED) officers at Sandeshkhali in the North 24 Parganas district on January 5.

The altercation occurred during an ED raid at Sheikh Shahjahan’s residence in Sandeshkhali, pertaining to an alleged multi-crore ration distribution scam. Subsequently, Sheikh Shahjahan was apprehended and taken for a medical examination at the SSKM Hospital in Kolkata.

Now, with the custody handed over to the CBI, they will assume responsibility for investigating the attack on the ED officers and further probe into the allegations surrounding the ration distribution scam.

Former TMC leader Shajahan Sheikh faces accusations not only related to the attack but also alleged sexual crimes against women and land grabbing at Sandeshkhali. The high court’s order allowed his arrest by the CBI, ED, or West Bengal Police, leading to his subsequent arrest by the state police.