The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) conducted searches at the home and office of suspended Trinamool Congress leader Sheikh Shahjahan on Friday. This was in connection to the attack on Enforcement Directorate officials at Sandeshkhali on January 5.
“Forensic teams were also involved in investigations connected to the attack. Several incriminating documents and material exhibits were seized during the searches,” a press statement by the CBI said.
Arrested on Feb 29
The CBI secured custody of Sheikh Shahjahan on March 6 after an order by the Calcutta High Court. He was arrested by West Bengal police on February 29 after being on the run for 55 days. Weeks after the attack on ED officials, villagers particularly women alleged that Sheikh Shahjahan and his associates were involved in land grab and sexual assault.
Some officials who were injured on Janauary 5 were present for the search.
The CBI team also visited the homes of local Trinamool leaders and aides of Sheikh Shahjahan during the search on Friday. The agency has also been given access to Sheikh Shahjahan’s call records. Sandeshkhali MLA Sukumar Mahato said on Friday that he had called Sheikh Shahjahan on January 5. The MLA clarified he had told Sheikh Shahjahan to avoid violence.
Suvendu’s rally
In a related development, the Calcutta High Court has allowed Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari to hold a public meeting on March 10 at Akratala in Sandeshkhali in North 24 Parganas district.
Justice Joy Sengupta said a rally can be held between 10 am to 5 pm on March 10. The police had denied permission to hold the rally by the State BJP leadership.
The residence of Sheikh Shahjahan is located at a village in the Nazat police station area. Mr. Adhikari’s rally comes on the day when Trinamool Congress is organising a mega rally at Brigade Parade Grounds in Kolkata.
