Shahjahan Sheikh, Accused of Sexual Violence and Land Grabbing, Seen Crying After Arrest

Shahjahan Sheikh, a suspended Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader accused of sexual violence and land grabbing in West Bengal's Sandeshkhali, was seen breaking down and crying inside a police vehicle after a court hearing on February 29, 2024. This emotional display contrasted sharply with his earlier arrogant demeanor during his court appearance.

Sheikh faces allegations of assaulting the Enforcement Directorate team, provoking his supporters, inciting violence, misconduct towards women, and unauthorized land occupation. After evading capture by both state and central agencies for 55 days, the police successfully apprehended him.

The video of Sheikh's emotional breakdown has gone viral on social media, with many users recalling his previous arrogant behavior in court. BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya criticized Sheikh, calling him a 'poster boy' of Mamata Banerjee and stating that his 'swag' had vanished as he wept like an 'inconsolable child'.

Sheikh was produced before the Basirhat Subdivision Court, where his custody was extended by 14 days. Following his arrest, the West Bengal Police transferred his custody to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

The women of Sandeshkhali had erupted in violent protests, accusing Sheikh and his aides of grave excesses, land grabbing, and sexual assault under coercion. In January, a mob allegedly affiliated with Sheikh attacked Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials who had gone to Sandeshkhali to search his premises in connection with a probe into an alleged ration distribution scam in the state.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has seized upon the Sandeshkhali incident, with leader Amit Malviya and West Bengal LoP Suvendu Adhikari mocking Sheikh's fate and warning that it serves as a lesson for those who unleash a reign of terror in the state. The BJP has also nominated Rekha Patra, one of the protesters against the alleged sexual harassment and land-grabbing incidents, from the Basirhat Lok Sabha constituency.

Why this matters: The Sandeshkhali incident has given ammunition to Mamata Banerjee's rivals, with Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury accusing the TMC of enslaving the CID and protecting Sheikh. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also targeted Banerjee over the incident, saying the BJP will ensure the punishment of the culprits.

The Calcutta High Court has ordered the West Bengal Police to hand over the Sandeshkhali case to the CBI, stating that the police have played 'hide and seek' in the matter. As the investigation continues, the fate of Shahjahan Sheikh and the political fallout of the Sandeshkhali incident remain to be seen.

Key Takeaways

• Suspended TMC leader Shahjahan Sheikh accused of sexual violence, land grabbing in Sandeshkhali
• Sheikh arrested after evading capture for 55 days, breaks down in police vehicle after court hearing
• BJP criticizes Sheikh's 'swag' disappearing as he wept 'like an inconsolable child'
• Sandeshkhali women protested Sheikh's alleged excesses, CBI takes over investigation
• Calcutta HC orders CBI probe, citing police 'hide and seek' in the matter