Sandeshkhali Accused TMC Leader Shahjahan Arrested, Sent to 10-Day Police Custody

Kolkata: TMC leader, Sheikh Shahjahan, who is accused of of sexual violence and land grabbing in West Bengal’s Sandeshkhali, was arrested on Thursday morning. He was remanded to 10 days of police custody.

The 53-year-old TMC leader was arrested from the Minakhan area in North 24 Parganas. He has been absconding for the past 55 days. He produced in court in Basirhat and the court sent him to police custody for 10 days.

According to police sources, Shahjahan was arrested in a case of assault on Enforcement Directorate officers on January 5.

Three days back the Calcutta High Court reprimanded the West Bengal police for the delay in taking action against the absconding TMC leader.

Following Shahjahan’s arrest, restrictions under Section 144 have been imposed in Sandeshkhali, including Sarberia and Akunjipara areas near Sheikh Shahjahan’s residence.

A large number of women in Sandeshkhali had accused Shajahan Sheikh and his supporters of being involved in land-grab and sexual assault.

Shajahan was absconding since January 5, when a mob allegedly affiliated with him attacked ED officials on their way to raid his premises in connection with a scam.

The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes has received 50 complaints of “sexual abuse and land grab” from tribal families against the Trinamool leader and his associates. The state government officials stated that they have received almost 1,250 complaints, including 400 related to land issues.