The Calcutta High Court has rebuked the Bengal authorities over delayed arrest of Trinamool Congress leader Sheikh Shahjahan, who has been evading arrest over charges of sexual assault and land grab by numerous women in West Bengal’s Sandeshkhali, on Monday.
Expressing dissatisfaction with the purported lack of action by the authorities regarding the allegations, the High Court admonished them for their perceived inaction, “It is surprising to note that incidents in the area were reported to the State police four years ago and that it has taken four years for the cases to mature into 42 chargesheets.”
The Bench reiterated, “It’s important to clarify that there is no interim order staying the arrest. Hence, there should be no delay in arresting him.”
Furthermore, the court directed officials to publish public notices in newspapers, informing the public about the legal actions taken against Sheikh Shahjahan. The next hearing is scheduled for March 4.
The unrest in Sandeshkhali was sparked by allegations of “sexual assault and land grab” against Trinamool leader Shajahan Sheikh and his supporters earlier this month. The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes reported receiving 50 complaints of “sexual abuse and land grab” from tribal families against the TMC leader and his associates. State Government officials confirmed receiving nearly 1,250 complaints, including 400 related to land disputes, from the volatile area.
Recent days have seen a series of violent protests in the region, marked by incidents of arson and vandalism. In a latest episode of violence, a group of female protesters vandalised the residence of Trinamool Congress leader Sankar Sardar on Monday.
