Sandeshkhali Update: Calcutta High Court Gives Go Ahead To ED, CBI To Arrest Absconding TMC Leader Shahjahan Sheikh

The Calcutta High Court on Wednesday (27 February) clarified that Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Shahjahan Sheikh, the prime accused in the Sandeshkhali issue, can also be arrested by central agencies.

A couple of days ago, the High Court stated that there was no reason to not arrest Sheikh, making it clear for the West Bengal police to go ahead with action on the Sandeshkhali cases.

Sandeshkhali is a town in Bengal's North 24 Parganas district where women protesters hit the streets earlier this month accusing local TMC leaders of land grabs and sexual assault.

Since then, three TMC leaders have been arrested, while Sheikh is still on the run. He has been absconding since 5 January when the Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials were attacked when they raided Sheikh.

Responding to the state’s advocate general's request for clarification on its 26 February order, the Calcutta High Court said that Sheikh can be arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the ED or the West Bengal Police.

The division bench led by Chief Justice TS Sivagnanam clarified that the stay was only on the constitution of a joint special investigation team (SIT) of the CBI and West Bengal Police in the ED officials' attack case, Indian Express reported.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has been alleging that TMC is saving Sheikh. Union Minister Nisith Pramanik had earlier offered the Centre's assistance if the West Bengal government is unable to arrest Sheikh.