The Enforcement Directorate (ED) at present registered a case in opposition to Trinamool Congress chief Sheikh Shahjahan, the central determine within the Sandeshkhali row in West Bengal, on cash laundering expenses.
Raids are underway at Sheikh Shahjahan’s home and 6 different areas.
The ladies in Sandeshkhali have accused Sheikh Shahjahan of involvement in land-grabbing actions and perpetrating sexual assault, allegedly by way of coercive means.
Shahjahan has been evading legislation enforcement since a mob, allegedly linked to him, attacked ED officers throughout a search operation associated to a ration rip-off on January 5. The incident not solely heightened tensions but additionally raised considerations concerning the affect and energy wielded by Shahjahan and his supporters within the area.
The state of affairs has led to a crackdown by the state police, ensuing within the arrest of Shahjahan’s aides, Shibu Hazra and Uttam Sardar. Nevertheless, Shahjahan stays lacking. With 17 arrests made to date, the police are urging villagers to come back ahead with their complaints, organising camps within the space to handle considerations associated to land seize and extortion.
The BJP has accused the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress of protecting its strongman.
In response, the TMC accused the ED of frightening the locals. The Ministry of House Affairs subsequently sought an in depth report from the West Bengal authorities concerning the assaults.
These current raids are a part of the broader investigation into an alleged ration rip-off within the state, with former meals and civil provides minister Jyotipriya Mallick already in custody since October 2023.
The Calcutta Excessive Courtroom has instructed a collaborative Particular Investigation Group (SIT) comprising the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and West Bengal Police to probe the assault on ED officers in Sandeshkhali.