Leader Online Desk : National Commission for Women (NCW) Chairperson Rekha Sharma submitted a report on the incident of sexual exploitation of women under Sandesh in West Bengal to President Draupadi Murmu today (March 5). In this report, it is recommended that President's rule should be implemented in West Bengal, reports 'ANI'.
National Commission for Women (NCW) Chairperson Rekha Sharma met President Droupadi Murmu today and presented a report on the Sandeshkhali incident, recommending President's Rule in West Bengal.
— ANI (@ANI) March 5, 2024
W. High Court's blow to Bengal government, investigation of attack on 'ED' to CBI
The Kolkata High Court today (March 5) ordered the West Bengal government to hand over the investigation into the attack on the Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials who went to raid the residence of ration scam accused Shahjahan Sheikh in West Bengal to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Also, the court has clarified that the custody of Shahjahan Shaikh, the accused in the much-publicized Sandeshkali sexual harassment and land grabbing case and the suspended leader of the Trinamool Congress, should be handed over to the CBI by 4.30 pm today. Meanwhile, the West Bengal government is likely to approach the Supreme Court to challenge the order.
A bench of Chief Justice TS Sivagnanam and Justice Hiranmay Bhattacharya of the Calcutta High Court said the CBI will take over the case related to the January 5 attack on the Enforcement Directorate (ED) officers at Sandeshkhali. The bench also set aside its earlier order to set up a Special Investigation Team (SIT) with members of the state police.
On January 5, a staff member of the Enforcement Directorate was injured when his team was attacked by a mob at Sandeshkhali. The attack took place when ED officials went to raid Sheikh Shahjahan's house in connection with an alleged multi-crore rupee ration distribution scam. Shahjahan Sheikh, who has been absconding for more than 55 days, was arrested by the West Bengal Police on February 29. After this, the Trinamool Congress suspended him from the party for six years. Shahjahan Sheikh and his accomplices are accused of sexual harassment and land grab by many women here under the message.
ED team attacked by Shah Jahan Sheikh supporters
Sheikh Shah Jahan made his independent identity in the Trinamool within a short period of time. His political 'weight' was greater than MLAs and ministers in the party. On January 5, 2024, ED officials raided his house to search his house. At that time, 800 to 1000 of his sympathizers attacked the ED team. Three officers were injured in this. Since then Sheikh Shahjahan was absconding. He has been accused of carrying out the attack.
Villagers took to the streets to demand the arrest of Shah Jahan
A complaint was filed against Shah Jahan Sheikh that some women were sexually assaulted in Sandeshkali village and the land of the poor was grabbed. After this, the ruling Trinamool Congress and the opposition party, BJP, began to exchange accusations. Villagers, mostly women, took to the streets to demand Shah Jahan Sheikh's arrest. A hearing was held in the Calcutta High Court on the petitions filed in this case. At this time, the court had reprimanded the government for the delay in taking action against the accused. A complaint was filed with the state police in this case four years ago. The high court also asked how it took four years to investigate the case.
