wEST BENGAL_SANDESHKHALI: FULL STORY
After being on the run for 55 days, Trinamool Congress leader Sheikh Shahjahan was finally arrested on February 29th on charges of torture, sexual harassment, and land grabbing in West Bengal’s Sandeshkhali region. In a latenight operation, a special team of the Bengal police raided a house in the North 24 Parganas district, leading to the arrest of Sheikh Shahjahan. A viral video showing Shahjahan walking towards the courtroom and gesturing sparked controversy, with the BJP pointing out his body language compared to that of the West Bengal police. They suggested that Shahjahan was being protected by Mamata Banerjee’s police. His recent police custody reinstates concerns about his treatment by the West Bengal police.
The accusations against Sheikh and his cohorts, including land grabbing and sexual harassment, have ignited a firestorm of protests, with local women demanding justice and the arrest of those responsible. Sheikh, evading authorities after an attack on Enforcement Directorate officials, faces mounting allegations of corruption and abuse of power. The unrest erupted on January 5 when a mob attacked ED officials investigating Sheikh in an alleged ration distribution scam, leading to a groundswell of accusations against him and his associates. Women in Sandeshkhali have courageously come forward, alleging years of abuse and exploitation at the hands of Sheikh and his men, sparking outrage and a fierce political blame game.
Tensions reached a boiling point on February 8 when protesters set fire to poultry farms owned by one of Sheikh’s associates, underscoring the volatile situation underscoring the volatile situation in the region. The Bharatiya Janata Party has labeled the arrest as a pre-planned spectacle. According to BJP state spokesperson Samik Bhattacharya, “It was TMC and the state police which were shielding the culprits. He has been arrested now as a part of a wellscripted story.
” WHO IS TRINAMOOL CONGRESS LEADER SHEIKH SHAHJAHAN ?
Shahjahan Sheikh, 42 years old known as “Bhai,” began as a worker in Sandeshkhali’s fisheries before entering politics in 2004. Known for fiery speeches and organisational skills, Sheikh caught the attention of Trinamool Congress leadership in 2012, thus joining the party. He swiftly rose in power, amassing significant wealth including three palatial residences, 17 cars, 43 bighas of land, and jewelry valued at Rs 2 crore. Despite these documented holdings, locals allege that his actual land ownership exceeds official records. His ascent has been marred by numerous criminal allegations, from extortion to murder, and reports of involvement in illegal activities, including cross-border trade.
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