The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday registered a case against Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Sheikh Shahjahan, the central figure in the Sandeshkhali row in West Bengal, on money laundering charges.
The central agency filed a fresh case in connection with the land-grabbing allegations and lodged a new Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR), which is equivalent to an FIR, in the matter under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), India Today reported.
ED raids are underway at the premises of Partha Pratim Sengupta in Central Howrah. He is reportedly a close aide of absconding TMC leader Shahjahan, ANI reported.
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The women in Sandeshkhali have accused Sheikh Shahjahan of involvement in land-grabbing activities and perpetrating sexual assault, allegedly through coercive means.
Shahjahan has been absconding since a mob, allegedly linked to him, attacked ED officials who had gone to search his premises related to a ration scam on January 5. The incident not only heightened tensions but also raised concerns about the influence and power wielded by Shahjahan and his supporters in the region.
The situation has led to a crackdown by the state police, resulting in the arrest of Shahjahan’s aides, Shibu Hazra and Uttam Sardar. However, Shahjahan remains missing. With 17 arrests made so far, the police are urging villagers to come forward with their complaints, organising camps in the area to address concerns related to land grabs and extortion.
The BJP has accused the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress of shielding its strongman.