The Calcutta High Court has issued a significant ruling, clarifying that there is no stay on the arrest of Trinamool Congress leader Sheikh Shahjahan, who stands accused of sexual assault in the Sandeshkhali area of West Bengal. The decision comes amidst mounting pressure and widespread unrest in the region following the alleged involvement of Shahjahan and his associates in various criminal activities.
In a directive issued on Monday, the high court emphasized that there is no legal impediment to Shahjahan’s arrest, thereby intensifying the pursuit by law enforcement authorities to apprehend the accused leader. The court further instructed the involvement of multiple parties, including Shahjahan, the Enforcement Directorate (ED), the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), and the West Bengal home secretary, in the ongoing investigation.
Shahjahan has been evading authorities since January 5, following an attack on ED officials who were conducting a search operation at his premises in connection with a ration scam. Despite the arrest of his aides Shibprasad Hazara and Uttam Sardar, Shahjahan remains at large, prompting heightened tensions in Sandeshkhali.
The village, located in the North 24 Parganas district, has witnessed escalating unrest since February 8, when hundreds of women mobilized to demand Shahjahan’s arrest, accusing him and his associates of land-grabbing and sexual assault under coercion. While his aides have been apprehended, Shahjahan’s continued evasion has exacerbated public outcry and intensified scrutiny of the Mamata Banerjee-led government.
Trinamool Congress general secretary Abhishek Banerjee refuted allegations of shielding Shahjahan, asserting that the hands of the police were “tied” due to legal proceedings initiated by the high court. Banerjee highlighted the complexities surrounding the case, citing the judiciary’s involvement and the need for police discretion in executing arrests based on FIRs.
The unfolding developments in the Sandeshkhali case underscore the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in addressing allegations of criminal misconduct involving influential political figures. As investigations continue and legal proceedings unfold, stakeholders await further clarity on the path forward and the resolution of long-standing grievances within the community.
Sources By Agencies
