CBI Files FIR Against ‘Influential Figures’ in Sandeshkhali Land Grab, Sexual Assault Case

Kolkata: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has initiated an FIR following an order from the Calcutta High Court to investigate allegations of extortion, land grabbing, and sexual assault emerging from Sandeshkhali, West Bengal.

The case centres on accusations of sexual harassment, land encroachment, and violence. While five individuals have been named as accused in the FIR, others remain unidentified. The named individuals are reportedly influential figures.

Details regarding the accused’s identities are currently undisclosed.

The Calcutta High Court’s decision on April 10 to order a court-monitored CBI probe emphasizes the necessity for an impartial inquiry in the interest of justice and equity.

Earlier, the CBI had established an email channel for receiving complaints related to such cases, resulting in numerous submissions.

Last week, a CBI team comprising ten members visited Sandeshkhali to investigate the alleged crimes against women and land encroachment.

Sandeshkhali, situated in Bengal’s North 24 Parganas district, gained attention earlier this year when several women staged protests against local leader Sheikh Shahjahan and his associates, alleging sexual assault and land encroachment.

Now-suspended Trinamool Congress leader Sheikh Shahjahan evaded cops after the accusations surfaced. His evasion prompted criticism toward the TMC, perceived as providing him protection.

After 55 days on the run, Shahjahan was arrested by the Bengal Police on February 29 in connection with an attack on an Enforcement Directorate (ED) team in Sandeshkhali on January 5. Subsequently, he was suspended from the TMC for six years.

Following a Calcutta High Court order, Shahjahan was transferred to CBI custody and is presently incarcerated.