CBI files FIR against Shahjahan Sheikh as main suspect in ED team attack, initiates two more cases

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has filed a First Information Report (FIR) against former Trinamool Congress (TMC) heavyweight Shahjahan Sheikh, marking him as the primary accused in the assault on an Enforcement Directorate (ED) team. The incident dates back to January 5, when the ED personnel were attempting to arrest Sheikh.

The FIR, which has surfaced following the Calcutta High Court's recent ruling permitting further action, includes grave charges such as armed rioting, wrongful restraint, and criminal intimidation against Sheikh.

ED arrests TMC leader

Identified as the 'convener of TMC Sandeshkhali, North 24 Parganas,' Sheikh has been singled out in the FIR, with the inclusion of additional unnamed individuals as accomplices. Moreover, the CBI has initiated two additional FIRs, one concerning an attack on the ED team during the apprehension of another TMC leader, Shankar Addhya, in Bangaon on the night spanning January 5 and 6. The third FIR pertains to the destruction of public property, including damage inflicted upon ED vehicles.

All three cases have been assigned to the Kolkata branch of the CBI for thorough investigation. These FIRs, accompanied by the Calcutta High Court's endorsement on March 5, have reinforced the CBI's legal stance in pursuing the matter. Despite this, the West Bengal CID initially declined to relinquish custody of Sheikh to the CBI, prompting further legal action.

Reports suggest that the West Bengal CID's refusal lacked legal foundation, as the CBI possessed both the High Court's directive and a valid FIR. Notably, the Supreme Court has not entertained any appeals from the West Bengal government as of Tuesday evening. In response to the situation, the Calcutta High Court reiterated its directive on March 6, urging the West Bengal CID to transfer Sheikh to CBI custody.

PM Modi lashes out at TMC

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing a gathering in Basirhat, West Bengal, on Wednesday, criticized the TMC administration for its attempts to shield Sheikh. Modi emphasized the setbacks faced by the state government in both the High Court and Supreme Court, accusing it of prioritizing the protection of the accused over the welfare of the state's women.