TMC leader Sheikh Shahjahan arrested by West Bengal Police , taken to Basirhat Court: SDPO

TMC leader Sheikh Shahjahan

TMC leader Sheikh Shahjahan was apprehended by the West Bengal Police from the Minakhan area in North 24 Parganas and taken to Basirhat Court, as confirmed by SDPO Aminul Islam Khan.

This development follows a recent ruling by the Calcutta High Court on February 26, which stated that there was no order preventing the Bengal Police from arresting Shahjahan Sheikh, the primary suspect in cases involving sexual assault and land acquisition in Sandeshkhali.

Shahjahan has been on the run since January, when an Enforcement Directorate (ED) team was attacked by a mob during a raid on his residence, which was linked to an alleged multi-crore ration scam.

The Sandeshkhali controversy is centred around 53-year-old Sheikh Shahjahan, a prominent TMC leader with significant influence in the region, spanning from Sandeshkhali in North 24 Parganas to Malancha in South 24 Parganas. He is known for his involvement in various sectors, including fisheries, brick kilns, transportation, and vegetable syndicates.

Also read: Sheikh Shahjahan: From humble driver to controversial TMC strongman, key figure in Sandeshkhali row

Numerous women have accused Shahjahan and his associates of forcibly taking over large land areas and engaging in sexual harassment. Since the violent incident on January 5, Shahjahan has been evading authorities.

A recent report by the National Commission for Women (NCW) following its visit to the Sandeshkhali region has revealed widespread fear and organized abuse. The report highlights the involvement of not only police officials but also members of the TMC in the systematic mistreatment of residents.