Kolkata, 19 March (H.S.): The Calcutta High Court on Thursday rejected the bail plea of suspended Trinamool Congress leader Sheikh Shahjahan, the prime accused in the attack on Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials at Sandeshkhali in North 24 Parganas district.

A single-judge bench of Justice Subhra Ghosh, while hearing the matter, accepted the submissions made by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and observed that the accused, if released on bail, could influence witnesses and tamper with evidence. The court, however, said that Shahjahan may file a fresh bail application in future depending on the progress of the investigation and emergence of new facts.

The incident dates back to January 2024, when an ED team had gone to Shahjahan’s residence at Sandeshkhali in connection with its probe into a multi-crore public distribution system (PDS) scam. During the operation, supporters of the accused allegedly attacked ED officials and personnel of the Central Armed Police Forces accompanying them.

Apart from this case, Shahjahan also faces serious allegations related to illegal land grabbing in Sandeshkhali, conversion of agricultural land into fisheries by allowing saline water, and sexual harassment of local women.

Shahjahan was initially arrested by the West Bengal Police and later handed over to the CBI, which is currently investigating the case.

During the hearing, the CBI’s counsel informed the court that even while in custody, the accused had allegedly tried to threaten key witnesses through his criminal network and had attempted to hatch a conspiracy to eliminate the son of a witness.

The case has also drawn significant political attention. In the initial phase, the Trinamool Congress leadership, including Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, had defended Shahjahan. However, following prolonged protests by women in Sandeshkhali in 2024, the party suspended him.

Sources said Shahjahan has previously moved multiple bail pleas before different courts but has not secured relief so far.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh