Bengal: CBI Arrests 1 After Team Searches Sheikh Shahjahan's Residence In Sandeshkhali

The West Bengal Police had handed over the custody of suspended Trinamool Congress leader Sheikh Shahjahan to the CBI following a new order from the Calcutta High Court.

File Photo: Security personnel stand guard at Bhavani Bhawan (West Bengal Police headquarters) where CBI officials arrive to take Trinamool Congress leader Sheikh Shahjahan, accused in the Sandeshkhali case.

Source : PTI Images

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) arrested a person after it initiated a search operation at the home of Sheikh Shahjahan in Sandeshkhali, North 24 Parganas, West Bengal. The operation was conducted in connection with its probe into an attack on an ED team in the area, PTI reported citing officials. 

#WATCH | West Bengal: CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation) team has detained a person during its investigation in Sandeshkhali, North 24 Parganas.

More details awaited. https://t.co/OXiR0p5UD1 pic.twitter.com/3xmxZeMuz0

— ANI (@ANI) March 8, 2024

The CBI also visited areas near his house in the Akunchipara locality of Sarberia to collect evidence in connection with the attack.

The West Bengal Police had handed over the custody of suspended Trinamool Congress leader Sheikh Shahjahan to the CBI following a new order from the Calcutta High Court.

#WATCH | West Bengal: A team of CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation) reaches Sheikh Shahjahan's residence in Sandeshkhali, North 24 Parganas.

More details are awaited. pic.twitter.com/42VkSOnNJy

— ANI (@ANI) March 8, 2024

The central probe agency also brought Shahjahan to ESI Hospital in Kolkata for a medical examination. Earlier on Thursday, the CBI had initiated questioning of Sandeshkhali strongman Sheikh Shahjahan. 

#WATCH | West Bengal: CBI team brought Sheikh Shahjahan to ESI hospital in Kolkata for the medical examination. pic.twitter.com/2PuOXhiUC2

— ANI (@ANI) March 8, 2024

READ | Sandeshkhali: Shahjahan Sheikh Grilled By CBI, Flags 'Ill Health' But Clears Medical Tests. Check Details

On January 5, the CBI will take over the investigation into an attack on Enforcement Directorate officers in Sandeshkhali, North 24 Parganas district.

The attack occurred when ED officers went to Sheikh Shahjahan's house in Sandeshkhali to conduct a raid in connection with an alleged multi-crore ration distribution scam. Shahjahan is accused of instigating a mob to attack ED officials.

Sheikh Shahjahan underwent a medical examination at Kolkata's SSKM Hospital prior to his arrest.

Earlier in the day, the CBI appeared in Calcutta High Court, accusing the Bengal Police of failing to hand over the suspended TMC leader despite a court order issued on Tuesday.

On Tuesday, the Calcutta High Court declared the Bengal Police "totally biassed" and directed that the investigation into the January attack on Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials in Sandeshkhali be transferred to the CBI.

Sheikh Shahjahan was arrested on February 29 in connection with the alleged attack on ED officials. He was apprehended after going on the run for 55 days.