PTC News Desk: The Sandeshkhali island in Bengal's North 24 Parganas district has become embroiled in controversy, with Trinamool strongman Sheikh Shahjahan at its epicenter. Following a Calcutta High Court clarification that there is no injunction preventing the Bengal police from apprehending him, Trinamool Congress has pledged to ensure his arrest within seven days.
This commitment was vocalised by Trinamool's state general secretary Kunal Ghosh and Bengal minister Bratya Basu in a media interaction. Mr. Ghosh expressed gratitude to the High Court for clarifying the legal standing, stating, "Shahjahan will be arrested within seven days."
Shahjahan is entangled in allegations of land grabbing, extortion, harassment, and even sexual violence, according to local residents. His evasion of authorities commenced after an Enforcement Directorate team was assaulted by a mob during a raid on his residence a month ago, as part of a corruption probe.
Trinamool's assurance of action comes subsequent to the high court's pronouncement, asserting, "There is no stay on arrest in any proceeding... Obviously he needs to be arrested." This statement rebuts earlier claims by senior Trinamool leader and MP Abhishek Banerjee, who alleged that the court's directives had hindered police action.
Also Read: Meet Ashwin Ramaswamy: 1st Gen Z Indian-American for Georgia Senate seat
Also Read: Haryana Home Minister Anil Vij announces CBI probe into INLD chief Nafe Singh Rathee's killing
Banerjee's remarks prompted backlash from the Opposition, labeled as "contempt of court." However, Trinamool MP Santanu Sen welcomed the court's stance, affirming the state government's commitment to take action against Shahjahan. Yet, he juxtaposed this with accusations against the central government's handling of other high-profile cases.
As the legal and political discourse unfolds, the fate of Sheikh Shahjahan and the broader implications for law enforcement and governance remain under scrutiny in West Bengal.
Also Read: PM Modi launches Rs 41,000 crore railway project portfolio with 2,000 initiatives
Also Read: Pankaj Udhas, best known for his patriotic song 'Chitthi Aayi Hai', is no more
(Inputs from agencies)