In Kolkata, the Calcutta High Court rebutted assertions made by the Trinamool Congress (TMC) suggesting that the police faced constraints in apprehending Sheikh Shahjahan due to a court-issued stay order. Contrary to the TMC's claims, the high court clarified on Monday that it had not issued any directive prohibiting the police from arresting the TMC leader, who stands as a key accused in the case about the assault on Enforcement Directorate officials in Sandeshkhali in January this year.
Expressing bewilderment at the TMC's allegations, a bench headed by Chief Justice TS Sivagnanam categorically stated that no such restraining order had been issued, emphasizing that the state police were authorized to effect Shahjahan's arrest.
This clarification by the high court followed statements made a day earlier by Abhishek Banerjee, the TMC's national general secretary, who contended that the judiciary had constrained the police's actions.
"The judiciary is purportedly shielding Sheikh Shahjahan. While the TMC government is committed to investigating genuine allegations, the Calcutta High Court's purported restrictions have hampered police efforts," Banerjee asserted in his remarks on Sunday within his Lok Sabha constituency.
Providing legal insights, Calcutta High Court advocate Jayanta Narayan Chatterjee, appointed as amicus curiae in the case, underscored the misinterpretation of the court's actions. He clarified that while a stay had been granted specifically concerning the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT), there existed no impediment to Shahjahan's arrest. Highlighting the gravity of the situation, the bench reiterated the necessity for Shahjahan's apprehension, given the multiple charges leveled against him.
After the high court's elucidation, the ruling party affirmed its commitment to expedite Shahjahan's arrest, assuring that concrete steps would be taken within the upcoming week.
"We express gratitude to the Calcutta High Court for enabling law enforcement authorities to detain Shahjahan. Our party pledges to ensure his arrest within the specified timeframe," declared Kunal Ghosh, TMC spokesperson, during a media briefing.
Meanwhile, unrest continued to grip Sandeshkhali, located approximately 80 kilometers from Kolkata, with fresh protests erupting on Monday. Villagers resorted to vandalism, targeting the residence of TMC panchayat member Shankar Sardar and setting fire to a haystack stored at the dwelling of another TMC leader, Haladhar Ari. Both Sardar and Ari's families decried the allegations leveled against them, attributing the incidents to a purported conspiracy orchestrated by the BJP.
The turmoil in Sandeshkhali stems from a series of allegations implicating TMC strongman Sheikh Shahjahan and his associates in land encroachment and instances of sexual abuse against women. Frustrated by perceived police inaction, locals have taken to the streets, demanding Shahjahan's immediate arrest.
In response to queries raised during court proceedings, the advocate general revealed that numerous FIRs related to sexual offenses had been filed in Sandeshkhali over the past four years, with chargesheets submitted in the majority of cases. However, the bench expressed dismay at the prolonged delay in addressing these matters, characterizing the four-year timeline as excessive.
Meanwhile, the police detained local TMC leader Ajit Maity, after his removal from a party post amid allegations of impropriety. Criticizing the TMC's purported exploitation of the high court's directive, the BJP lambasted the administration's handling of the situation, highlighting discrepancies in its narrative.
