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CBI Teams Await Handover of TMC Leader Shahjahan Sheikh Amid Controversy

Kalyani Jha
06 Mar, 2024

As the deadline set by the Calcutta High Court for the handover of TMC leader Shahjahan Sheikh to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) expired at 4 pm on Wednesday, tensions escalated with CBI teams arriving at the state Police headquarters in Kolkata around 4.15 pm to take custody of Sheikh. The court had previously issued contempt notices to the state government, prompting urgent action.

Earlier in the day, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) approached the Calcutta High Court, alleging non-cooperation from the West Bengal Police in a case involving Sheikh. This development further intensified the ongoing legal battle, with the ED seeking the court's intervention to hold the state police in contempt.

West Bengal BJP president Sukanta Majumdar condemned the state government's actions, accusing Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of protecting a criminal despite the Supreme Court's stay order. He characterized the situation as a clear case of contempt of court and criticized the state's reluctance to comply with legal directives.

In response to the High Court's order transferring the investigation to the CBI, the West Bengal government challenged the decision in the Supreme Court, arguing that the transfer violated established legal principles. However, the apex court dismissed the government's plea, upholding the High Court's directive.

Despite the legal proceedings, CBI sleuths faced delays at the CID headquarters in Bhavani Bhawan, where they waited for over two hours for Sheikh's custody. The state agency cited the government's move to approach the Supreme Court as grounds for non-compliance, leading to a standoff between state and central authorities.

Amid the escalating controversy, three FIRs were registered by the CBI against Shahjahan Sheikh on March 5, adding another layer of complexity to the ongoing legal battle surrounding his custody and the investigation into the alleged mob attack on ED officials.