Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Sheikh Shahjahan, who had been on the run, was apprehended by West Bengal Police in the Minakhan area of North 24 Parganas on Wednesday night. Shahjahan, a key figure in cases involving land grab and sexual harassment following violent protests in Sandeshkhali, had been evading authorities since January 5, when a mob of his supporters attacked Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials near his residence in Sandeshkhali.
According to the Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) of Minakhan, Aminul Islam Khan, Shahjahan was promptly taken to Basirhat Court on Thursday morning. He is scheduled to appear before the Basirhat Court at 2 pm on the same day.
Law enforcement officials, who had been closely monitoring Shahjahan’s movements, successfully apprehended him from the North 24 Parganas district in the early hours. Following his arrest, Shahjahan was promptly presented before the Basirhat court and is presently in the court’s custody.
The police department emphasized the meticulous efforts involved in Shahjahan’s arrest, overcoming legal hurdles in the process. “There was a legal obligation to arrest Shahjahan Sheikh. However, the arrest came only after the court lifted the stay order,” highlighted ADG (South Bengal) Supratim Sarkar. Shahjahan was charged under several Sections of the Indian Penal Code, including rioting and possession of deadly weapons.
In response to the arrest, TMC’s National General Secretary Saket Gokhale underscored the party’s commitment to compliance with legal proceedings. He emphasized that the arrest transpired following the Calcutta High Court’s clarification regarding the absence of any stay order on Shahjahan’s arrest.
Meanwhile, TMC spokesperson Kunal Ghosh urged for the arrest of BJP leader Suvendhu Adhikari and others implicated in various cases. The sentiments were echoed by TMC MP Santanu Sen, who commended the state government’s decisive action, emphasizing the principle of ‘rajdharma’ in governance.
On the other hand, West Bengal BJP state president Sukanta Majumdar attributed Shahjahan’s arrest to continuous pressure exerted by the BJP and the local populace. He emphasized the BJP’s unwavering commitment to justice and accountability, irrespective of political affiliations.
The developments surrounding Shahjahan’s arrest underscore the intricate dynamics of political and legal proceedings in West Bengal. The ongoing saga reflects the complexities inherent in addressing allegations of corruption and criminality within the political landscape, highlighting the imperative of upholding the rule of law and ensuring accountability at all levels of governance.
Do you want to publish your own book?
We will help you get the best options for book publishing related services in India that helps you to self publish your book professionally. Complete set of publishing services. From designing book covers to publishing, promotion to distribution we provide them all. Click here to get free call back from our team consulting you regarding the publishing costs and the process.