Kolkata: Sheikh Shahjahan, absconding Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader, accused of sexual violence and land grab in Sandeshkhali village, was arrested on Thursday morning, police said. He was arrested from a house in Minakhan in North 24 Parganas district where he was hiding, reported PTI quoting police.
Supratim Sarkar, ADG south Bengal, later informed the media that Shahjahan was arrested in connection with the case related to the attack on ED officials.
“Shahjahan was arrested late on Wednesday night from Bamanpukur area at Minakhan in North 24 Parganas. He was arrested in connection with the case related to attack on ED officials on January 5. He was one of the principal accused in the case. Several other cases have been lodged against him after protests broke out in Sandeshkhali earlier this month. Those are being investigated,” Sarkar said.
The TMC strongman is in the Basirhat court lockup at present and will be produced before the court later in the day.
“Shajahan Sheikh has been arrested. We welcome the steps of state (West Bengal) police. Our leader Abhishek Banerjee pointed out that due to some parts of the order from the honourable High Court, state police had been restrained from taking any action. After he pointed out the problem, honourable High Court removed the restrictions and the police became free (to take action),” TMC leader Kunal Ghosh said.
