Trinamool Congress leader Sheikh Shahjahan, who was apprehended on Thursday following allegations of land-grabbing and sexual misconduct in Sandeshkhali, faces an array of criminal charges, notably including the purported murder of three BJP supporters and instances of violence directed at government personnel in West Bengal.
The legal proceedings against Shahjahan entail a multitude of cases, wherein either the formal chargesheet has yet to be presented or investigations against him remain pending. Insightful documents obtained by India Today reveal the bureaucratic inertia surrounding Shahjahan's legal entanglements, despite numerous filed complaints.
This aspect drew attention during a recent hearing at the Calcutta High Court, where urgent consideration of Sheikh Shahjahan's case was denied. Chief Justice's remarks underscored the magnitude of legal entanglements Shahjahan faces, expressing concern that the judiciary might be preoccupied with his cases for the foreseeable future.
One significant case dates back to June 2019 when an FIR was lodged implicating Shahjahan and 24 others in the alleged murder of Debdas Mondal, along with his father Pradeep Mondal, and one Sukanta Mondal, purportedly supporters of the BJP. The accusation detailed a violent intrusion led by Shahjahan, resulting in fatalities and property damage. However, subsequent investigations and legal actions appear inconclusive, with procedural irregularities noted.
Similarly, another case registered under the Arms Act against Shahjahan remains pending, with only a fraction of the named suspects formally charged. In another incident in August 2022, Shahjahan faced accusations of orchestrating an assault on employees at a WBSEDCL facility, yet despite a filed chargesheet and court-issued warrants, little progress has been made.
Furthermore, a separate FIR filed concerning a violent protest led by Shahjahan, which escalated into clashes with law enforcement on the Basanti highway, has yet to see substantial legal repercussions against the Trinamool leader.
