Calcutta High Court upholds CBI probe into TMC’s Shahjahan Sheikh over rape, assault, and ED attack allegations linked to Sandeshkhali.

Upholding the single-judge ruling, the Calcutta High Court has dismissed an appeal that sought to stop the CBI probe into serious allegations against Shahjahan Sheikh.

In a major legal development, the Calcutta High Court has dismissed a petition challenging the transfer of the investigation into Shahjahan Sheikh, a former TMC leader from Sandeshkhali, to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The decision effectively upholds an earlier order passed by a single bench, allowing the central agency to continue its probe into grave criminal allegations including rape, extortion, and assault.

Sheikh’s case has been a political and legal flashpoint in West Bengal, particularly due to his alleged involvement in obstructing central investigative agencies and orchestrating violent reprisals.

Attack on ED Sparks National Attention

The controversy began with a violent attack on an Enforcement Directorate (ED) team that had arrived at Sheikh’s residence to conduct a search in connection with the ongoing ration distribution scam. The ED team was reportedly assaulted by a group of locals, allegedly acting on Sheikh’s instructions.

The incident was widely covered by national media and drew criticism from opposition leaders, who accused the state machinery of shielding Sheikh. Amid the uproar, the Calcutta High Court had ordered that the investigation be handed over to the CBI, citing possible interference at the state level and the need for an independent probe.

Sheikh Faces Multiple Charges

Shahjahan Sheikh, once a prominent figure in the Trinamool Congress (TMC), is now under investigation for a series of serious crimes. In addition to the ration scam, he has been accused of rape, land grabbing, and criminal intimidation, with multiple women from Sandeshkhali coming forward to file complaints.

The sheer scale and severity of the allegations have raised significant concerns about the alleged abuse of power by political leaders at the grassroots level.

The case has also drawn attention from the National Commission for Women, which called for a swift and fair probe into the allegations of sexual violence.

Calcutta High Court Stands Firm

While dismissing the latest appeal filed against the single judge’s decision, the division bench of the Calcutta High Court noted that interference in the investigation at this stage would be inappropriate and against public interest. The bench observed that the allegations were too serious to be dealt with lightly, and that the integrity of the investigation must be preserved.

“The interests of justice demand that the probe be carried out by a competent and independent agency,” the court remarked during the hearing.

The division bench also underlined the need for institutional accountability, especially when allegations involve attempts to undermine federal investigative authorities like the ED.

Political Fallout and Legal Ramifications

The TMC, while distancing itself from Sheikh after his arrest, has faced sharp criticism for its handling of the case. Several party leaders have been questioned for their past association with Sheikh, and opposition parties have seized upon the issue to question the state government’s commitment to law and order.

The CBI’s investigation is expected to explore not just the criminal allegations, but also the institutional protection Sheikh may have received during his time as a TMC strongman in Sandeshkhali.

This case could have wider implications for federal-state relations, particularly in matters where state political actors are accused of obstructing central agencies.

Citizens Demand Justice, Transparency

Legal experts and civil society organisations have welcomed the High Court’s decision, stating that it sets a strong precedent against political shielding. The court’s emphasis on maintaining investigative integrity was seen as a vindication of the rule of law.

The Sandeshkhali case has become a symbol of the urgent need for checks and balances in local governance, especially in regions where political and administrative power often overlaps.

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