TMC Assures Arrest of Sheikh Shahjahan Within a Week After High Court Clarification shortly after the Calcutta High Court clarified that there is no stay order on the arrest of Trinamool Congress leader Sheikh Shahjahan, the party has announced that he will be apprehended within a week, addressing concerns over his involvement in the Sandeshkhali case.
TMC spokesperson Kunal Ghosh, alongside state Minister Bratya Basu, expressed confidence in Shahjahan’s imminent arrest during a joint press conference on Monday. Ghosh highlighted that the High Court’s clarification has reinstated the West Bengal Police’s authority to take action against Shahjahan, following legal complexities raised by party General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee.
Ghosh read out the High Court’s order, emphasizing the temporary stay on actions against Shahjahan until further notice. He underscored the significance of the court’s decision, thanking it for restoring the state police’s investigative powers.
Earlier in the day, the Calcutta High Court stressed the need for action in the Sandeshkhali case, indicating no impediments to Shahjahan’s arrest. The court’s directive for public notice further emphasized the urgency of the matter.
Abhishek Banerjee clarified that the party is not shielding Shahjahan, attributing delays in action to legal constraints imposed by the High Court. He pointed out instances where the court’s interventions affected police actions, citing the assault on ED officials and subsequent legal proceedings.
The Sandeshkhali case has stirred public outcry, particularly among women, over alleged offenses involving Shahjahan and his associates. Shahjahan has been evading authorities since January following an incident where ED officials were assaulted during a raid at his residence.
Two Trinamool leaders, Uttam Sardar and Shibu Hazra, associated with Shahjahan, have already been arrested in connection with the case.