Kolkata: In a significant development, the Calcutta High Court on Wednesday issued a contempt notice to the West Bengal Crime Investigation Department (CID), directing them to transfer the custody of Shahjahan Sheikh, a former Trinamool Congress figure facing allegations of extortion, land grabbing, and sexual assault in Sandeshkhali, to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) by today.
High Court’s Directive To CID
The Calcutta High Court, expressing dissatisfaction with the state police’s handling of the matter, ordered the transfer of custody to the CBI by 4:30 pm on Wednesday. Describing Sheikh as a prominent political influencer, the court emphasized the need for a thorough investigation by the CBI and directed the custody transfer by 4:15 pm.
Despite a previous court order, the West Bengal government had resisted transferring Sheikh’s custody to the CBI. This decision prompted the urgent hearing of a plea in the Supreme Court challenging the Calcutta High Court’s directive for a CBI inquiry into the Sandeshkhali incident involving an attack on Enforcement Directorate officials.
PM Meets Sandeshkhali Assault Victims
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting with female victims of the Sandeshkhali assault on Wednesday further highlighted the gravity of the situation. Described as a compassionate interaction, PM Modi listened to the victims’ accounts attentively and empathetically. He characterized the affected women as part of his extended family and criticized the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government for allegedly shielding the perpetrators.
PM Modi also strongly condemned the TMC government’s handling of the Sandeshkhali incident, accusing it of neglecting the welfare of its citizens, particularly women. He criticized the government’s alleged failure to address the concerns raised by the judiciary and highlighted the ongoing atrocities against women, especially those from marginalized communities.
After a prolonged period of inaction, Shahjahan Sheikh was apprehended by the West Bengal police on February 29. Subsequently, he was remanded to 10-day police custody by the Basirhat Court in West Bengal.