'Shiekh Shahjahan To Be Arrested In 7 Days': TMC After Calcutta HC Dismisses Claims Of Stay On Arrest

‘Shiekh Shahjahan To Be Arrested In 7 Days’: TMC After Calcutta HC Dismisses Claims Of Stay On Arrest

Sandeshkhali Row:  Hours after the Calcutta High Court rejected the state TMC’s contention that a court’s order is impeding the arrest of Sandeshkhali strongman Shiekh Shahjahan, the party asserted that he would be arrested within a week. Senior party leader and spokesperson Kunal Ghosh on Monday said that Shajahan Sheikh, who has been accused of sexual atrocities and land grabbing in Sandeshkhali, will be arrested in seven days.

“About the arrest of Sheikh Shajahan, Abhishek Banerjee is correct. The matter was stuck in the legal tangle of the court. The opposition was doing politics using this opportunity. Thanks to the High Court today for clarifying the matter and allowing the police to take action. Shajahan will be arrested within seven days,” Ghosh posted on microblogging site ‘X’.

Trinamool Congress’s national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee on Sunday said that the state police are unable to arrest Sheikh Shahjahan as there was a stay on the FIRs filed by the cops. The TMC leader had asserted that due to the legal impediments, they were unable to nab Shahjahan.

“…those calling for Shahjahan’s arrest should make an appointment and ask the court why this stay was granted. Was it to ensure Bharatiya Janata Party could secure mileage from this incident?” Abhishek had said while insisting the Trinamool is not shielding its on-the-run strongman.

“If the High Court ties hands of state administration (then) what can be done? After the January 5 incident – when it was claimed ED officers were attacked – the central agency filed a complaint and the High Court ordered the constitution of a SIT with state police and central agencies.”

“Around 10-12 days later ED appealed for a stay in the High Court. The plea was accepted. This means they did not want any investigation, arrest, summons, or interrogation,” Banerjee added.

The court has ordered the inclusion of Shajahan, the Enforcement Directorate, the Central Bureau of Investigation, and the state home secretary as parties in the suo-moto case addressing allegations of sexual crimes against women and the grabbing of tribal land.

In the riverine Sandeshkhali area, located on the Sundarbans’ borders, approximately 100 kilometres from Kolkata, tensions have been escalating for over a month. The community has been protesting against Shajahan and his supporters, who are currently on the run.

The unrest is rooted in accusations of land encroachment and sexual assault. The local TMC figure has been evading authorities since a mob attacked Enforcement Directorate officials on January 5.