Police arrests key accused Sheikh Shahjahan in Sandeshkhali case

New Delhi: Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Sheikh Shahjahan, the primary accused in the Sandeshkhali case, has been apprehended by the police. He and his associates face allegations of sexual misconduct against women and involvement in land grabbing activities in Sandeshkhali.

How was Shahjahan nabbed?

Sheikh Shahjahan was apprehended in the North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal by a specialized police team, around midnight. His arrest comes after 55 days of being on the run. Following his arrest, he was taken to the Basirhat court for legal proceedings. Law enforcement officials had been monitoring his movements for several days before his arrest.

Public outcry in Sandeshkhali

Sandeshkhali, situated in West Bengal's North 24 Parganas district, has been witnessing significant protests against Sheikh Shahjahan, a prominent figure in the Trinamool Congress. A section of women in the area has been demanding justice against alleged atrocities committed by the TMC leader.

Allegations, criminal background

Numerous women in Sandeshkhali have accused Sheikh Shahjahan and his supporters of engaging in "land-grabbing" and perpetrating sexual assaults under coercion. Sheikh Shahjahan, who has a history of involvement in criminal cases, including the murder of three BJP workers in 2019, had been evading arrest since January 5.

Additional allegations, legal scrutiny

Apart from the Sandeshkhali case, Sheikh Shahjahan faces accusations of money laundering related to ration and land scams, as alleged by the Enforcement Directorate. Moreover, there are claims of violence against employees of the power department in West Bengal, leading to the filing of an FIR against him.