Shahjahan Sheikh of Sandeshkhali faces ED allegations of converting illegal funds into assets through dummy traders. 13 FIRs from West Bengal Police outline charges including threats, extortion, and land grabbing. The case garners media attention during elections.
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KOLKATA: Sheikh Shahjahan, a prominent figure in Sandeshkhali, has been accused by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) of converting illegal funds into legal assets using a complex network of dummy traders and properties. This case has spiraled into a critical issue, capturing extensive media attention throughout the election period.
The allegations against Shahjahan have led to a detailed investigation by the ED, which initiated its probe following 13 FIRs lodged by the West Bengal Police. These FIRs encompassed a range of charges, including threats of injury, murder, and extortion, as well as accusations of land grabbing for illegal profits.
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The ED detailed-
“The Enforcement Directorate launched an investigation based on 13 FIRs filed by the West Bengal Police, alleging Shahjahan Sheikh and associates created a climate of fear through organized crime, including threats, extortion, and land grabbing, leading to illicit financial gains.”
According to the investigative findings, Shahjahan, once affiliated with the Trinamool Congress, orchestrated an illicit empire that thrived on criminal activities such as land grabbing and illegal fishing trade.
The ED has unearthed multiple facets of his operations, revealing that he exploited political connections and armed enforcement to maintain his dominance on the island in the North 24 Parganas district. The agency arrested Shahjahan along with his brother Alamgir and two associates, documenting testimonies from over a hundred witnesses, including local inhabitants and contractors.
The probe revealed that Shahjahan amassed assets worth Rs.27 crore, which were believed to be proceeds from his criminal activities. The seized assets included three high-value SUVs.
“The investigation conducted under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, revealed that individuals involved obtained proceeds of crime amounting to Rs.261.41 Crore from their illicit activities.”
-stated the ED.
These illicit earnings were reportedly generated from various sources, including fish depots, rental income from the so-called ‘Shahjahan market,’ and even brick kilns.
Further detailing the money laundering process, the chargesheet indicated that Shahjahan initially established his criminal network back in 2009-2010 under the guise of Sk Sabina Fisheries. After joining the Trinamool Congress, he expanded his illegal operations with significant political backing.
“While Sahajhan Sheikh purportedly provided some charitable services like free medical aid and financial assistance, he also allegedly maintained a network of over 100 enforcers who reportedly engaged in intimidation and extortion tactics, coercing compliance with his directives. Those who opposed faced physical harm and severe reprisals.”
-detailed the chargesheet.
The chargesheet further illustrates how Shahjahan and his syndicate manipulated local land deals and controlled government tenders through coercion.
“Their syndicate monopolized most government tenders at the Gram Panchayat, Panchayat Samiti, and Zila Parishad levels in Sandeshkhali and surrounding areas, barring other contractors from applying without their approval.”
– the document reveals, highlighting the extensive control exerted by Shahjahan and his associates over the region
