The Calcutta High Court refused to interfere with the CBI probe into ex-TMC leader Shahjahan Sheikh in the Sandeshkhali case, stating that an accused has no right to question the choice of investigating agency.
Shahjahan Sheikh of Sandeshkhali is embroiled in ED allegations of converting illegal funds into assets through dummy traders. West Bengal Police filed 13 FIRs citing threats, extortion, and land grabbing. The case garnered significant media attention during elections. The Enforcement Directorate’s investigation led to arrests and exposed Shahjahan’s criminal network, amassing assets worth ₹27 crore.
![[Sandeshkhali Violence] CBI Files Chargesheet Against Shahjahan Sheikh and Six Others in ED Assault Case](https://i0.wp.com/lawchakra.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/MicrosoftTeams-image-14-2.png?resize=447%2C367&ssl=1)
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) today has filed a chargesheet against Shahjahan Sheikh and six others for assaulting an Enforcement Directorate (ED) team in West Bengal. Sheikh, formerly associated with TMC, was apprehended by Bengal Police after evading capture for 55 days. The involvement of the CBI was prompted by a directive from the Calcutta High Court.
On Monday (2nd April): The Calcutta High Court criticized the state for submitting an additional charge sheet in the murder case against Shah Jahan despite the court’s stay order, warning of potential contempt. The family of the victims accused Shah Jahan, and the court had suspended proceedings. The police’s actions were rebuked, and a potential contempt ruling was mentioned.
Today(on 14th March), The North 24 Parganas district court extends Shahjahan Sheikh’s CBI custody by 8 days, emphasizing ongoing legal scrutiny amid serious allegations. Sheikh, a controversial figure from Sandeshkhali, faces accusations of sexual misconduct and unlawful land dealings, with the case transferred to the CBI by the Calcutta High Court due to its severity.
On 6th March, Sheikh Shahjahan, a suspended Trinamool Congress leader accused of violence and criminal activities, was placed in CBI custody by the Calcutta High Court amid tensions between state and central authorities. This legal standoff highlights the conflict in federalism and judicial oversight, connected to the political issues in Sandeshkhali. The Trinamool Congress’s expulsion of Shahjahan and BJP’s criticism add further complexity to the situation.
On 6th March: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) was unable to take custody of Shahjahan Sheikh despite a court order to transfer the Sandeshkhali violence investigation to the CBI. Supported by CRPF personnel, the CBI faced obstruction at the West Bengal CID headquarters, highlighting the complexities of the case. The state’s appeal to the Supreme Court against the high court’s verdict resulted in Sheikh’s unresolved custody.
The Calcutta High Court has clarified that the CBI and ED have the authority to arrest Shahjahan Sheikh, the prime accused in the Sandeshkhali unrest, despite concerns of collaboration with state police. The court emphasized that the delay in his apprehension allows central agencies to take action. The previous stay order only applied to the constitution of an SIT.