Calcutta HC Issues Contempt Notice to CID, Orders to Handover Shahjahan Sheikh to CBI

The Calcutta High Court issued a contempt notice to the West Bengal Crime Investigation Department, directing them to transfer the custody of Shahjahan Sheikh, the former Trinamool strongman facing charges of extortion, land grab, and sexual assault in Sandeshkhali, to the CBI by the end of the day. The court emphasized that the accused’s custody must be handed over to the CBI by 4:30 pm on Wednesday.

Noting the state police’s reluctance to cooperate, the High Court remarked on their evasive tactics, emphasizing the need for a transparent investigation. The court stressed the political influence surrounding the case and ordered the transfer of investigation to the CBI, reiterating the deadline of 4:15 pm for the custody handover.

Despite a previous order from the Calcutta High Court, the Bengal government had initially refused to transfer custody to the CBI, prompting the court’s contempt notice.

In a separate development, the West Bengal government urgently petitioned the Supreme Court to challenge the Calcutta High Court’s decision to entrust the CBI with the Sandeshkhali case, which involves an attack on Enforcement Directorate officials on January 5.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with female victims of sexual assault in Sandeshkhali, offering them support and listening to their grievances empathetically. He condemned the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government for allegedly shielding the accused and failing to address the issue effectively, calling it a matter of national shame.

Prime Minister Modi accused the TMC government of neglecting the plight of women under its rule and prioritizing the interests of its leaders over the welfare of the people. Despite initial delays, Sheikh was eventually arrested by the West Bengal police on February 29, and subsequently remanded to 10-day police custody by the Basirhat Court.