The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Wednesday issued a summons to the brother of Shajahan Sheikh, a Trinamool Congress leader who has been arrested and suspended, in connection with the ongoing investigation into alleged land grabbing in West Bengal’s Sandeshkhali.
Crucial Role
Shajahan’s brother, Sheikh Sirajuddin, believed by the central probe agency to have played a crucial role in the scam, has been absconding, as per officials.
“We have summoned Shajahan’s brother to appear before our officers on May 6 at our Kolkata office in connection with the land grab case. Our officers visited his residence in search of him but he was not present,” stated an official.
CBI officers affixed the ‘summons’ notice on Sirajuddin’s residence before departing.
Additionally, another team of CBI officers visited the ‘Shajahan Market’ at Sandeshkhali in North 24 Parganas district on Wednesday and conversed with several shopkeepers regarding the same case, the official added.
“These businessmen were close to Shajahan and may have been involved in the scam. Our officers engaged in discussions with them,” he elaborated.
CBI officers have been frequenting Sandeshkhali almost daily as part of their investigation into the scam.
Calcutta High Court
Earlier this month, the Calcutta High Court mandated a CBI investigation into allegations of crimes against women and forcible land grabbing in Sandeshkhali, which had sparked protests over these issues.
The court instructed the CBI to delve into allegations of crimes against women and forcible land grabbing in Sandeshkhali and furnish a comprehensive report.
On January 5, Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials were assaulted by a mob when they visited Sandeshkhali to search the premises of the now-suspended Trinamool Congress leader Shajahan Sheikh in connection with a ration distribution scam case.
