The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday attached movable and immovable assets worth ₹12.78 crore under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002 in the ongoing investigations against Shahjahan Sheikh and others.
The court ruled that the “State Police are totally biased” and urged for a “fair, honest and complete investigation” into the case against Shahjahan. (File photo)
New Delhi: After the Calcutta High Court on Tuesday ordered the transfer of custody of Sheikh Shahjahan, the former TMC leader who was arrested by the police in connection with the Sandeshkhali violence, to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the West Bengal government today moved to the Supreme Court challenging the order.
The court ruled that the “State Police are totally biased” and urged for a “fair, honest and complete investigation” into the case against Shahjahan. A division bench of Chief Justice TS Sivagnanam and Justice Hiranmay Bhattacharya stated, “We have no hesitation in our mind to hold that this confidence has been shaken and there can be no better case than the case on hand which requires to be transferred to be investigated by CBI.”
Here are the top 10 developments in the Sandeshkhali Incident:
1. The West Bengal government has denied to hand over the custody of Sheikh Shahjahan to the CBI on Tuesday.
2. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday attached movable and immovable assets worth ₹12.78 crore under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002 in the ongoing investigations against Shahjahan Sheikh and others.
3. The Chief Justice Division Bench also set aside a previous order constituting a Special Investigation Team (SIT) on the attack on ED officials. The High Court had ordered the State Police to hand over the TMC leader and all connected enquiry documents to the CBI by 4:30 on Tuesday.
4. Supported by the Calcutta High Court order, three CBI officials, along with the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) personnel, reached the CID headquarters at the Bhabani Bhavan at 4.40 p.m. on Tuesday.
5. However, after more than two hours after discussions, the CBI officials left the Bhabani Bhavan at around 7 pm without the TMC leader.
6. After the government had approached the SC bench seeking intervention of the court in the matter, however, the apex court denied the request and instead directed the state government counsel to approach the Registrar (Judicial) of the apex court to get directions from the Chief Justice of India, D.Y. Chandrachud, for an immediate hearing in this matter.
7. The opposition has claimed that the West Bengal government approaching the court for urgent intervention in the case proving its desperation to protect the accused in this matter.
8. The women in the Sandeshkhali area have levelled accusations against Sheikh Shahjahan, alleging his involvement in land-grabbing activities and instances of sexual assault purportedly carried out through coercive means.
9. Earlier, several members of the ED were injured after a mob attacked them in Sandeshkhali on January 5. The incident took place when the ED officials went to conduct a raid at Sheikh Shahjahan’s house with the alleged multi-crore ration distribution scam.
10. West Bengal’s Sandeshkhali region has been witnessing massive unrest as women protestors are seeking justice against alleged atrocities committed by Sheikh Shajahan and his aides.
(With inputs from Agencies)
Aisha Patel is a dedicated Indian correspondent with a deep understanding of the nation’s diverse affairs. With a background in Indian culture, politics, and current events, she provides in-depth analysis and timely reporting on domestic issues within India.
