Trinamool Congress leader Sheikh Shahjahan, who was arrested on Thursday morning for allegedly torturing villagers in the trouble-torn Sandeshkhali area in West Bengal, has been sent to a 10-day police custody by a local court. Sheikh is accused of alleged land-grabbing as well as sexual atrocities on local women in Sandeshkhali.
Arrested from hideout in Minakhah
He was arrested from a house at Minakhah in North 24 Parganas district where he was hiding, the police said.
On Wednesday, the Calcutta High Court had directed that Sheikh Shahjahan can be arrested by the CBI, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) or the West Bengal Police.
On Monday last, the High Court had directed the police to arrest the local TMC leader. In response, the state’s ruling party asserted that it does not shield culprits and he would be arrested within seven days.
Sheikh Shahjahan was in hiding since an ED team that went to raid his house in connection with the alleged ration scam was attacked by a mob of around 1,000 people on January 5.
Advocate Raja Bhowmick who is representing Sheikh Shahjahan said, “ …The police sought 14 days’ custody but the court granted 10 days…On March 10, he will be produced in court again.”
CV Ananda Bose hails the arrest
West Bengal Governor, CV Ananda Bose has hailed the arrest of Sheikh Shahjahan. He asserted that the time has come for criminals who are lording over in parts of Bengal to be put behind bars. “This is the beginning of the end. We have to put an end to the cycle of violence in Bengal. In parts of Bengal, the goons are ruling the roost. This must end. The gangsters should be put behind bars,” the Bengal governor was quoted as saying at a press conference.
CV Ananda Bose has stressed that the Sandeshkhali incident is only the tip of an iceberg.
Bengali