Did the Calcutta HC Order CBI to Report on Sheikh Shahjahan's Role in ED Officer Assault?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Calcutta High Court orders CBI to investigate Sheikh Shahjahan.
- Shahjahan accused of masterminding mob attack on ED officials.
- New evidence has emerged during the investigation.
- Multiple allegations against Shahjahan include illegal land activities.
- Public protests have occurred in response to these incidents.
Kolkata, April 29 (NationPress) A single-judge bench at the Calcutta High Court has issued a directive to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to present a report regarding expelled Trinamool Congress leader Sheikh Shahjahan. He is accused of masterminding a mob assault on Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials and their accompanying Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) personnel outside his residence in Sandeshkhali, located in the North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal, which occurred in January of the previous year.
The attack took place on January 5 this year, during an attempted raid by ED officials and CAPF personnel, linked to Shahjahan's alleged involvement in a significant ration distribution scandal in the region.
Three ED officials sustained serious injuries and required hospitalization due to the violence.
During the hearing on Tuesday, Justice Suvra Ghosh of the Calcutta High Court was informed by the CBI counsel that the investigation had yielded new evidence.
Justice Ghosh subsequently instructed the CBI to provide a progress update within the next seven days.
The next court session concerning this matter is slated for May 7.
Shahjahan was initially detained by the West Bengal Police before being transferred to CBI custody as they took over the investigation.
Recently, his legal representation filed a bail request with the Calcutta High Court.
His counsel argued that Shahjahan had already spent 15 months in jail without the CBI substantiating the accusations against him.
In response, the CBI opposed the bail motion, citing new incriminating evidence against Shahjahan.
Apart from the assault on the ED team, Shahjahan and his associates face multiple other allegations, including the illegal occupation of farmland in Sandeshkhali, converting it into fisheries by illicitly introducing saline water, and notably, charges of sexual harassment against local women.
Throughout 2024, Sandeshkhali experienced significant unrest as local residents, primarily women, protested against Shahjahan and his associates.