High-Stakes Showdown: Bengal Police and CBI Clash Over Sandesh khali Strongman Sheikh Shahjahan’s Custody
Kolkata: As tensions escalate between Bengal police and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) regarding the custody of Sandeshkhali strongman Sheikh Shahjahan, the Calcutta High Court has set a new deadline for the Bengal police to hand him over to the central agency. The court’s decision adds a fresh twist to the ongoing confrontation between state and central authorities in a case that has garnered significant attention due to its political implications and allegations of abuse of power.
A bench comprising Justice Harish Tandon and Justice Hiranmay Bhattacharyya has instructed Bengal police to transfer Shahjahan’s custody to the CBI by 4:15 pm today. This directive comes in the wake of yesterday’s ruling, where the high court had initially ordered Bengal police to hand over the expelled Trinamool Congress leader to the CBI by 4:30 pm.
However, the situation took a legal turn when the Mamata Banerjee government challenged the high court’s decision in the Supreme Court. Despite the appeal, the Supreme Court declined to grant an urgent hearing on the matter, leaving the high court’s directive intact. When a CBI team arrived yesterday to take custody of Shahjahan, they were informed of the ongoing legal proceedings in the Supreme Court.
In response to the high court’s order, the state government argued that it undermines the principles of federalism. Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing the Bengal government, expressed concerns over the urgency of the interim order, stating, “They wanted overnight compliance in an interim order.” The Supreme Court has redirected the state government to present its case before Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud for further consideration.
Undeterred by the legal complexities, the high court reiterated its commitment to enforcing its directives. “The Supreme Court has not issued a stay on our order. Therefore, Shahjahan must be handed over to the CBI by 4:15 pm today,” the bench emphasized.
Additionally, the high court issued a notice of contempt and instructed the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of Bengal police to submit an affidavit within two weeks. This move underscores the seriousness with which the court regards compliance with its rulings.
Meanwhile, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has also intervened in the matter, filing a petition against Bengal police. The ED argued that the Supreme Court’s lack of intervention implies that the high court’s ruling remains in effect. Furthermore, the ED has demanded disciplinary action against CID officers for failing to adhere to the high court’s instructions.
At the center of this legal and political storm is Sheikh Shahjahan, whose alleged involvement in various illicit activities has sparked outrage among residents of Sandeshkhali island in Bengal’s North 24 Parganas district. Accusations against Shahjahan and his associates include sexual abuse, land grabbing, and extortion, prompting widespread condemnation and demands for justice.
Shahjahan first gained notoriety in January when an Enforcement Directorate team conducting a raid on his properties faced a violent mob attack. Following 52 days on the run, Shahjahan was eventually apprehended by Bengal police. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has consistently accused the Trinamool Congress of shielding Shahjahan and insists that only a thorough investigation by central agencies can ensure justice for the people affected by his alleged crimes.
The unfolding events underscore the complex interplay between state and central authorities, legal proceedings, and political interests in addressing issues of governance and justice. As the deadline looms for Shahjahan’s transfer to the CBI, all eyes are on the outcome of this high-stakes legal battle.
FAQ: High-Stakes Showdown: Bengal Police and CBI Clash Over Sandesh khali Strongman Sheikh Shahjahan’s Custody
Q: Who is Sheikh Shahjahan? A: Sheikh Shahjahan is a controversial figure known as the strongman of Sandesh khali island in Bengal’s North 24 Parganas district. He has been accused of various criminal activities, including sexual abuse, land grabbing, and extortion.
Q: Why is there a confrontation between Bengal police and the CBI regarding Sheikh Shahjahan’s custody? A: The confrontation stems from a high court order instructing Bengal police to transfer Shahjahan’s custody to the CBI. However, the Mamata Banerjee government has challenged this decision in the Supreme Court, leading to legal complexities and delays in compliance.
Q: What are the allegations against Sheikh Shahjahan? A: Residents of Sandeshkhali island have accused Shahjahan and his associates of harassment, land grabbing, and extortion. These allegations have sparked public outrage and demands for justice.
Q: Why is the BJP involved in this matter? A: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has accused the Trinamool Congress of shielding Sheikh Shahjahan and has emphasized the need for a thorough investigation by central agencies to ensure justice for the victims of his alleged crimes.
Table: Timeline of Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| January | Enforcement Directorate team faces mob attack during raid on Sheikh Shahjahan’s properties. |
| February | Sheikh Shahjahan goes into hiding, evading authorities for 52 days before being arrested by Bengal police. |
| March 7th | Calcutta High Court sets deadline for Bengal police to hand over Shahjahan’s custody to the CBI. |
| March 7th | Supreme Court declines urgent hearing on Mamata Banerjee government’s appeal against high court’s ruling. |
| March 7th | High Court reiterates order for Bengal police to transfer Shahjahan to CBI; issues notice of contempt. |
| March 7th | Enforcement Directorate files petition against Bengal police for non-compliance with high court’s order. |
This timeline provides a chronological overview of key events in the ongoing legal battle surrounding Sheikh Shahjahan’s custody and the confrontation between state and central authorities.