CBI secures custody of TMC leader Sheikh Shahjahan

On March 6, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) gained custody of suspended Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Sheikh Shahjahan in connection with an attack on Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials that occurred on January 5.

This development followed a Tuesday order from a Division Bench of the Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court, T.S. Sivagnanam, directing the transfer of the case and the accused's custody to the CBI by 4.30 p.m. Earlier attempts by CBI officials to secure custody at the State Police Headquarters were unsuccessful.

Simultaneously, the ED filed a contempt petition against the State government, alleging non-compliance with Tuesday's court orders. Despite the West Bengal government's claim of challenging the judgement in the Supreme Court, the Calcutta High Court emphasized that no interim stay had been granted on the orders.

In a late evening development on Wednesday, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the West Bengal Police handed over the accused to the CBI at around 6.40 p.m. Prior to the transfer, Sheikh Shahjahan underwent a medical check-up at a State-run hospital. The CBI then took him to the Employees State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) Hospital and later to Nizam Palace for lodging.

Sheikh Shahjahan faces allegations of land grab and sexual assault in Sandeshkhali, with the region witnessing unrest until his arrest by the West Bengal Police on February 29. The delay in complying with the Calcutta High Court's order has sparked strong reactions from opposition parties, turning the Sandeshkhali violence and accusations against Shahjahan into a significant political issue in the State leading up to the Lok Sabha election.