In a significant development, the West Bengal Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has taken over the probe into the cases lodged against Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Sheikh Shajahan, according to officials. In the aftermath of the Sandeshkhali violence, Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Sheikh Shahjahan was apprehended by the West Bengal Police this morning from the Sarberia area. Currently, he has been placed under police lock-up in Basirhat. Sheikh Shahjahan was arrested in connection with the Sandeshkhali case and has been remanded to 10-day police custody.
Arrest amid Sandeshkhali unrest
The arrest of TMC leader Sheikh Shahjahan comes in the wake of escalating tensions in the Sandeshkhali area of North 24 Parganas. His apprehension is seen as a significant move by law enforcement authorities to address the unrest in the region.
Police action: Sheikh Shahjahan in custody
According to police sources, Sheikh Shahjahan was arrested in the Minakhan area following a directive from the Kolkata High Court, empowering enforcement agencies to take action against individuals involved in the Sandeshkhali violence. He has been taken to the Basirhat Court for further legal proceedings.
Legal ramifications
The arrest of Sheikh Shahjahan carried legal implications as it aligns with the directives issued by the Kolkata High Court, underscoring the state's commitment to maintaining law and order in the Sandeshkhali region amidst the ongoing turmoil.
TMC hails arrest of Sheikh Shahjahan
The Trinamool Congress (TMC) celebrated the arrest of their absconding leader, Sheikh Shahjahan, accused of perpetrating violence in the Sandeshkhali area, attributing the breakthrough to court rulings that cleared the way for his apprehension. Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) dismissed the arrest as a staged event, alleging that Sheikh had been under the protective custody of the West Bengal Police.
TMC applauds legal clarity
TMC spokesperson Kunal Ghosh praised the timely arrest of Sheikh Shahjahan, emphasising that legal hurdles initially impeded the process. He underscored that once the court clarified the absence of any injunction against Sheikh's arrest, the West Bengal Police swiftly executed their duty. Ghosh accused the opposition of capitalising on the earlier legal ambiguity surrounding Sheikh's arrest.
BJP alleges orchestrated arrest
In contrast, the BJP cast doubt on the authenticity of Sheikh's arrest, labeling it as a preconceived narrative orchestrated by the TMC and the state police. State BJP spokesperson Samik Bhattacharya contended that Sheikh had been under the protective custody of the West Bengal Police since Tuesday night, implying a lack of sincerity in the arrest.
Backdrop of unrest in Sandeshkhali
The Sandeshkhali region, nestled along the Sundarbans borders, has been embroiled in turmoil for over a month due to protests stemming from allegations of sexual abuse and land encroachment against Shajahan Sheikh and his associates. Sheikh has been evading authorities since January 5, following a violent altercation with Enforcement Directorate officials that triggered widespread unrest in the area.
Also read | Shahjahan Sheikh's arrest is just a drama, says BJP's Suvendu Adhikari amid Sandeshkhali stir
