After two months of political turbulence in West Bengal's Sandeshkhali, a conclusion emerged on Wednesday, March 6. No argument could sway the High Court or Supreme Court in favor of the state government, accused of shielding the main suspect, TMC leader Sheikh Shahjahan. The High Court declared unequivocally that Sheikh must be handed over to the CBI, disputing the state’s stance that CID was competently managing the case. During the day-long trial at the High Court, it was made clear that the ED officials' assault investigation should be transferred to the CBI, and Sheikh Shahjahan must be taken into custody forthwith.
Sheikh Shahjahan Brought to CBI Office
Following this, Sheikh Shahjahan was transferred to CBI custody. Now in the hands of the CBI, the accused from Sandeshkhali will face interrogation. This custody was granted specifically to probe the attack on ED officials. The chain of events covering the assault on ED officials, sexual exploitation allegations by women of Sandeshkhali, the volley of accusations between TMC, BJP, and Congress, followed by the arrest after 55 days and the ensuing court procedures, compile a timeline of occurrences over two months and seven days—let's revisit the critical dates.
Location: Sandeshkhali
Located roughly 80 kilometers from the capital of Bengal, Kolkata, Sandeshkhali lies in the Bashirhat subdivision of the North 24 Parganas district, nestled against the border of Bangladesh. Here, minorities and tribal communities form the majority. When ED raided TMC leader Sheikh Shahjahan's home in January, it escalated to an attack on the ED team, thrusting the area into the headlines.
What Happened on January 5
In connection with the massive West Bengal ration distribution scam, approximating ₹10,000 crores of corruption, Sheikh Shahjahan's accomplices assaulted ED officials who arrived to raid his residence on January 5. Over 200 locals encircled the officials and the paramilitary vehicles accompanying them, with the mob vandalizing the vehicles. In the assault, three ED officials sustained injuries. Subsequent arrests unfolded, while Sheikh Shahjahan remained a fugitive for many days. Known to be close to former food minister Jyotipriya Malik, Sheikh's whereabouts were a subject of intense speculation.
Lookout Notice and Raids
Prior to his capture, a lookout notice was issued for Sheikh Shahjahan, followed by an audio clip surfacing where he declared a readiness to forfeit his life if proven guilty of any wrongdoing, vowing never to show his face again.
Serious Accusations and Intensified Sandeshkhali Violence
As investigations unfolded on multiple fronts, a new, severe allegation against Sheikh Shahjahan added a grim turn to the infamous Sandeshkhali cases...
'Sheikh's Men Hunt for Beautiful Girls'
A woman among the accusers alleged that TMC workers scoured the village homes in search for attractive women or girls, whom they would abduct for Sheikh Shahjahan's illicit indulgences, often holding them captive in party offices overnight before releasing them the following day, after subjecting them to sexual abuse...
With these serious allegations coming to light, the state's Governor took immediate cognizance and upon visiting Sandeshkhali, expressed shock at the unfolding events.
Legal Proceedings and Sheikh's Custody
After a span of legal back and forth, Sheikh Shahjahan finally came into CBI custody. Currently under a stringent probe, the CBI is meticulously unraveling the case's complexities.
