Today(on 2nd May), A CBI team investigated land appropriation allegations against Trinamool Congress’s Sheikh Shahjahan in Sandeshkhali’s Rajbari area, interacting with locals accusing him and his associates of land seizure and mistreatment of women.
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KOLKATA: Today(on 2nd May), a team from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) conducted an inquiry in the Rajbari locality of Sandeshkhali regarding allegations of land appropriation against Sheikh Shahjahan, a notable figure in the Trinamool Congress. During their visit, the CBI team engaged with local residents who had leveled accusations against Sheikh Shahjahan and his cohorts, alleging land seizure and mistreatment of women.
A resident of Rajbari, who filed a complaint regarding the unlawful seizure of his land, recounted the incident, saying-
“Sheikh Shahjahan and his associate unlawfully took over my land two years ago. Despite seeking assistance from local police stations, I received no response. The Panchayat demanded Rs 10,000 from me in exchange for justice. Disheartened by the lack of action, I resorted to lodging a complaint through the CBI portal. I am hopeful that I will regain ownership of my land soon.”
In addition to the land grabbing allegations, the CBI has also taken a significant step in its investigation into the attack on the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in Sandeshkhali. The agency has issued notices to two individuals, Sirajul Mir in the Akunji Para Mor area and local TMC leader Aftar Mollah in Mollapara, both of whom are closely associated with Sheikh Shahjahan. The notice requires them to appear before the CBI office in connection with the attack on the ED that occurred on January 5.
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Sheikh Shahjahan, once a prominent figure in the Trinamool Congress, has been accused by several women in Sandeshkhali, West Bengal, of sexual assault and land encroachment. After evading authorities for 55 days, he was apprehended on February 29 in relation to an incident involving an assault on officials from the Enforcement Directorate.
During its review of the Sandeshkhali case, the Calcutta High Court observed that the CBI’s report outlined several accusations of land appropriation and highlighted the lack of cooperation from state authorities. In response, the court instructed the state to allocate additional personnel to aid in the investigation.
Additionally, the chief justice division bench of the Calcutta High Court permitted the National Human Rights Commission of India (NHRC) to participate in the case. While the CBI has commenced its inquiry, it has opted not to divulge the report’s contents at this juncture to prevent jeopardizing the ongoing investigative process.
On Monday, the Supreme Court adjourned the hearing on the West Bengal government’s plea challenging the Calcutta High Court’s order for a CBI investigation into allegations of land grabbing and sexual assault in Sandeshkhali. The state government had approached the Supreme Court to contest the April 10 order by the Calcutta High Court.
Following the Calcutta High Court’s directive, the CBI registered a First Information Report (FIR) against five individuals and others yet to be identified. The FIR is part of the ongoing investigation into cases involving land grabs and crimes against women in Sandeshkhali.
The women of Sandeshkhali, residing in the North 24 Parganas district, took to the streets to protest against the ruling Trinamool Congress and Sheikh Shahjahan. They accused the strongman and his aides of committing heinous acts and atrocities while also unlawfully acquiring their land. Multiple women on the island alleged “land grab and sexual assault” under coercion by Sheikh Shahjahan and his associates.
ALSO READ: [Sandeshkhali Row] NHRC Report Reveals As Human Rights Violation
After the court proceedings, Sheikh Shahjahan was remanded to CBI custody by the Basirhat court. A video capturing his departure from the court, showing him visibly distressed and in tears, was circulated on social media platforms by BJP leader Amit Malviya.
