In a significant development, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted raids on multiple locations associated with suspended Trinamool Congress MLA Sheikh Shahjahan in Sandeshkhali, situated in West Bengal’s North 24 Parganas district. The operation, reportedly targeting a brick kiln owned by Shahjahan, comes in the wake of a land grab case against him.
According to ANI, the ED launched searches at various sites in Sandeshkhali early Thursday morning, focusing on properties linked to Sheikh Shahjahan. India Today reported that the raids were specifically carried out at a brick kiln owned by the suspended MLA, highlighting the intensification of investigations into the alleged land grab case.
The deployment of several teams from the central agency, accompanied by paramilitary personnel, underscored the gravity of the situation. The ED’s action follows closely on the heels of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) conducting searches at Sheikh Shahjahan’s residence and a market owned by him on March 8.
Sheikh Shahjahan’s troubles escalated when he was arrested by the West Bengal Police on February 29, accused of sexual violence and involvement in land grab incidents in Sandeshkhali village. Following his arrest, the Calcutta High Court ordered his transfer to the custody of the CBI on March 6, amidst heightened political tensions.
Sandeshkhali has been engulfed in turmoil since January 5, when ED officers first arrived to search Sheikh Shahjahan’s residence. The situation escalated when the ED team faced resistance from locals, resulting in injuries to several officers. Subsequent protests erupted, fueled by allegations of sexual harassment and land grabbing against local TMC leaders, including Sheikh Shahjahan.
The escalating unrest led to violent demonstrations in Sandeshkhali and neighboring villages, with residents, predominantly led by women, voicing grievances against alleged misconduct by TMC leaders. The arrest of Shahjahan by the state police, followed by the CID’s assumption of the investigation, marked a significant turn in the ongoing saga.
As investigations intensify and tensions persist in Sandeshkhali, the ED’s latest raids indicate a concerted effort to delve deeper into allegations of corruption and malpractice, underscoring the complex interplay between politics and law enforcement in the region.
Sources By Agencies
