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 matter was orally mentioned before Justice Sanjiv Khanna today (March 5th), who directed that the papers be placed before the CJI for appropriate listing. The Calcutta HC today issued an order transferring the investigation of an assault on ED officials in Sandeshkhali from the WB Police to the CBI. Additionally, the court directed that the custody of TMC leader Shajahan Sheikh, apprehended by the WB police, be transferred to the central agency.
Calcutta High Court Judge Abhijit Gangopadhyay resigned and announced his decision to join BJP, citing disparaging remarks by TMC leaders and a desire to combat their corruption. He emphasized BJP’s national presence and his focus on challenging TMC dominance in Bengal. His resignation was submitted to the President and Chief Justice.
The Calcutta High Court Today ordered the investigation of an assault on ED officials in Sandeshkhali to be transferred from the West Bengal Police to the CBI. The court also instructed that the custody of TMC leader Shajahan Sheikh, arrested in connection with the incident, be handed over to the central agency. Separate appeals by the ED and the West Bengal government indicate a critical moment in the state’s legal and political landscape, with implications for future collaborations or confrontations between state and central law enforcement agencies in India.
Justice Abhijit Gangopadhyay, a notable figure in the Calcutta High Court, has resigned Today from his position to pursue a political career. Known for his uncompromising approach to combating corruption, his decision to enter politics has sparked discussions about the future of his cases and the implications for the Indian judiciary.
TMC leader Sheikh Shahjahan is in 10-day police custody for assaulting ED officers. Governor CV Ananda Bose sees this as a step towards ending violence in Bengal. The arrest follows protests over alleged land-grab and sexual assault. Section 144 is imposed in Sandeshkhali. TMC leaders support the arrest, emphasizing the government’s adherence to ‘rajdharma.’
The Calcutta HC Today refused an urgent hearing for TMC leader Sheikh Shahjahan, facing allegations of sexual assault and land-grabbing, with the Chief Justice dismissing his lawyer’s plea and directing them to return on Monday, citing no sympathy. The State police arrested Shahjahan despite previous remarks from the Court. Central agencies had also expressed reservations about the investigation.
The Calcutta High Court has ordered the immediate arrest of Trinamool leader Sheikh Shahjahan following allegations of sexual assault and land grab in Sandeshkhali. The court criticized 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. The next hearing is scheduled for 4th March.
In Kolkata, the ED objected to Trinamool Congress leader Shajahan Sheikh’s request for anticipatory bail in a ration distribution scandal case, citing his significant influence. The judge reserved judgment after arguments, with the ED emphasizing Sheikh’s obstruction of an earlier search. Sheikh’s counsel argued against labeling him as absconding, pointing to pending bail plea and lack of money laundering evidence.
The Delhi High Court has reserved its order on TMC leader Mahua Moitra’s plea to stop the Enforcement Directorate from leaking sensitive information to the media regarding a FEMA investigation. Moitra also seeks to restrain media houses from publishing unverified content. The ED denies leaking information, while media houses argue for their right to publish source-based information.