The Calcutta High Court has ordered the speedy arrest of Trinamool leader Sheikh Shahjahan amid allegations of sexual assault and land grab in Sandeshkhali. The court expressed concern over the four-year delay in addressing the charges and refuted claims of an interim stay order, directing officials to issue public notices. The unrest stems from accusations by women, prompting a Suo moto matter by the High Court.
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KOLKATA: The Calcutta High Court, in response to accusations of sexual assault and land grab against Trinamool Congress leader Sheikh Shahjahan, issued a directive on Monday, urging his immediate arrest. The court criticized the authorities for their prolonged inaction, pointing out that the incidents had been reported four years ago.
The High Court expressed astonishment, stating-
“It is surprising to note that incidents in the area were reported to state police four years ago and that it has taken four years for the cases to mature into 42 chargesheets.”
Addressing the misconception of an interim stay order, the court clarified-
“a wrong impression has been created as if an interim order of stay of arrest has been given. There is nothing on record to say that such a stay is in place.”
The bench firmly asserted-
“Therefore he should be arrested.”
In addition to the arrest order, the court directed officials to publish public notices in newspapers, informing the public about the legal actions initiated against Sheikh Shahjahan. The court questioned the necessity of politicians visiting the area despite restrictions under Section 144, asking-
“What is the need for hundreds of people going there when people are agitated?”
The next hearing is scheduled for 4th March.
The recent unrest in Sandeshkhali ensued after multiple women accused Trinamool leader Shajahan Sheikh and his supporters of “sexual assault and land grab.” The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes reported receiving 50 complaints of “sexual abuse and land grab” against the TMC leader and his associates. State government officials acknowledged nearly 1,250 complaints, including 400 related to land issues, from the tumultuous area.
The Calcutta High Court initiated a Suo moto matter, emphasizing incidents of rape at gunpoint and tribal land being seized. A division bench, comprising Chief Justice TS Sivagnanam and Justice Hiranmay Bhattacharya, presided over the hearing. Advocate Priyanka Tibrewal highlighted the lack of confidence among women in approaching the police due to their connections with the accused. The court suggested registering complaints through the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) to address this concern.
On February 23 in Kolkata, the ED (Enforcement Directorate) objected to Trinamool Congress leader Shajahan Sheikh’s application for anticipatory bail before a Kolkata court regarding the agency’s investigation into an alleged ration distribution scandal in West Bengal, asserting his significant influence.
The judge reserved judgment on Sheikh’s anticipatory bail application after both parties concluded their arguments. Deputy Solicitor General Dhiraj Trivedi, representing the agency, emphasized before the court that Sheikh’s influential status could seriously impede the investigation.
He cited an incident from last month when a mob of nearly 1000 people attacked ED officials during a search of Sheikh’s premises in Sandeshkhali, North 24 Parganas district.
The ED’s legal representative argued before Special CBI court Judge Prasanta Mukhopadhyay that Sheikh had promptly gathered the mob within 15 minutes of their arrival, preventing the officials from conducting the search. In response, Sheikh’s counsel contended that he should not be labeled as absconding since his anticipatory bail plea was pending and no evidence of money laundering had been presented against him.
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During the proceedings, Sheikh’s legal team mentioned that he had not been seen in public since the attack on ED officials and had not responded to the agency’s summons. The defense reiterated that the mob attack resulted in injuries to three officials and the looting of their belongings, compelling them to abandon the search on January 5. Subsequently, ED officials conducted a search operation at Sheikh’s premises on January 24.
On February 12, the Calcutta High Court acknowledged the unrest in Sandeshkhali, attributing it to the events of January 5 when the ED officials were attacked during their attempt to search Sheikh’s premises.
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