Sandeshkhali: Know all about Shahjahan Sheikh, the main accused in the net at last

TMC leader Sheikh Shahjahan. (File photo)

The fugitive Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader and prominent figure in Sandeshkhali, Shahjahan Sheikh, was apprehended by the West Bengal Police in the early hours of February 29 from the Minakhan area in North 24 Parganas. Following his arrest, he was taken to the Basirhat court to undergo legal proceedings.

Shahjahan was arrested from a house in Minakhah in the North 24 Parganas district where he had been hiding, according to the the police. At present, he is being held in the court's lock-up, awaiting his appearance before the court later in the day.

Notorious Shahjahan Arrested by Authorities

The terror of Sandeshkhali, along with his associates, is a key figure among the accused in cases involving land grab and allegations of sexual harassment, which emerged following violent protests in Sandeshkhali. Shahjahan had been evading authorities since January 5, after a group of his supporters attacked a team of Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials near his house in Sandeshkhali. The federal probe agency team had visited his house to carry out searches in connection with an alleged ration scam.

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From Labourer to Political Leader

Shahjahan, the eldest among four siblings, began his political career as a union leader while employed as a labourer. His entry into the political arena was facilitated by his maternal uncle, Moslem Sheikh, who was a prominent leader in the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPM) and served as a panchayat chief during that period. Under his uncle's guidance, Shahjahan spent six years within the CPI(M) fold.

From Driver to Kingpin: The Rise of Shahjahan

Reports say that Shahjahan abandoned his role as a driver and ventured into criminal activities, asserting control over local water bodies and participating in illegal land transactions. He gradually rose to prominence in North 24 Parganas. Alongside his uncle, he wielded significant influence in the region, to the extent that despite the Left facing consecutive electoral defeats from 2009 onwards, they retained their hold on power in his area of North 24 Parganas.

Strategic Alignment with TMC Leadership

However, sensing a shift in the political landscape of the state in 2010, Shahjahan made a strategic move and aligned himself with leaders of the TMC. He reportedly forged close ties with TMC national general secretary Mukul Roy and Jyotipriyo Malik, who was then the TMC district president of North 24 Parganas.

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As Malik rose to a ministerial position, Shahjahan's influence within the party grew significantly.

Power Consolidation

Under the patronage of the TMC, Shahjahan consolidated his power base and expanded his influence. Strategically amassing wealth over time, he cultivated an image of himself as a modern-day Robin Hood within the community. While some regarded him as a saviour, others perceived him as a villain. This duality persisted from 2011 to 2024, with women in the area silently enduring the reign of terror imposed by Shahjahan.

However, the initiation of action by the ED against Shahjahan on January 5 emboldened the women in the community. They felt empowered to speak out against the injustices they had endured, signalling a potential shift in the power dynamics within the region.

Unveiling Shahjahan's Wealth Accumulation

Reports suggest that Shahjahan, who started his journey as a labourer and fisherman, has amassed massive wealth over the years. He is reported to own vast properties, including 43 bighas of land, and possesses a considerable amount of jewellery worth more than Rs 2 two crore. Additionally, he boasts ownership of 17 cars and holds substantial funds in his bank accounts, totalling around Rs 2 crore. During the panchayat elections, he disclosed these details, citing an annual income of Rs 20 lakh.

From Orator to Organisational Mastermind

Known for his impassioned oratory and adept organisational abilities, Shahjahan, 42, popularly known as as "Bhai," caught the eye of TMC leadership in 2012. Since then, his rise within the corridors of power has been remarkable, drawing both admiration and scrutiny. In 2018, he solidified his standing by grabbing the position of deputy head of the Sarberia Agarhati gram panchayat.

'Matsa Karmadhakshya'

Shahjahan, currently serving as the president of the Sandeshkhali TMC unit, has seen his political journey reached new heights following his successful acquisition of a zilla parishad seat last year. Known as the 'Matsa Karmadhakshya' (Fisheries In-charge) for North 24 Parganas, he wields considerable influence over the district's fisheries development, reflecting his significant influence in both political and economic domains.

Beyond his political prowess, he is hailed as a key figure for conflict resolution within the area. Proficient in mediating family disputes and settling land disagreements, Shahjahan has earned a reputation as a skilled peacemaker. Additionally, his younger brothers play active roles as TMC workers, managing his business affairs, including land dealings.