Calcutta High Court rejects anticipatory bail for Trinamool Congress leader Sheikh Shahjahan in the PDS scandal, emphasizing a thorough investigation. Decision underscores commitment to transparency and justice in addressing corruption within the public distribution system.
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KOLKATA: Today(On 12th March), The Calcutta High Court has dismissed the anticipatory bail plea of suspended Trinamool Congress leader Sheikh Shahjahan, linked to a scandal involving the public distribution system (PDS). This decision came after a thorough examination of the case by a division bench comprising Justice Debanshu Basak and Justice Shabbar Rashidi, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing investigation into the ration distribution scam.
Sheikh Shahjahan, a prominent figure from Sandeshkhali, found himself in legal turmoil after a lower court turned down his anticipatory bail application. The case has attracted considerable attention due to its implications and the individuals involved.
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Representing Shahjahan, Advocate Sabyasachi Banerjee presented arguments emphasizing the ambiguity of the charges against his client. He pointed out that Shahjahan was not explicitly named in the FIR lodged on December 12, 2023. Despite multiple raids conducted by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) at Shahjahan’s premises, Banerjee claimed that no incriminating evidence was unearthed.
The defense also highlighted that Shahjahan’s summoning was primarily based on the testimony of another accused, Jyotipriyo Mallick, who previously served as the food minister. This connection has raised questions about the depth and direction of the investigation.
However, the ED’s legal representation, Dheeraj Trivedi, presented a contrasting viewpoint. Trivedi argued that Mallick had explicitly mentioned Shahjahan in a written statement, shedding light on his potential involvement in the scam. Furthermore, Trivedi accused Shahjahan of being uncooperative with the investigative process, noting his failure to respond to summons following the raid on his residence. The situation was exacerbated by alleged attacks on ED officials during their investigative efforts.
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After careful consideration of the arguments and evidence presented by both sides, the Calcutta High Court concluded that the ED’s investigation did not suffer from any significant deficiencies. As a result, the court found no grounds to grant Shahjahan’s request for anticipatory bail, thereby rejecting his plea.