Sandeshkhali ED Attack Case: CBI Gets Custody Of Shahjahan Sheikh Following High Court Orders

In response to a recent directive from the Calcutta High Court, Shahjahan Sheikh, a key figure in the Sandeshkhali ED official attack case, was transferred to the custody of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Wednesday.

The court's order mandated the West Bengal administration to hand over Sheikh to the CBI by 4:15 pm, prompting a prompt response from CBI officials, who arrived at Bhawani Bhawan before 4 pm to facilitate the transfer.

Photo Credit: PTI

CBI Grants Custody Of Shahjahan Sheikh Following High Court Orders

Before the handover, Sheikh underwent a medical examination at SSKM hospital, overseen by the West Bengal CID. Upon his return to Bhabani Bhawan, the police headquarters, the CBI officially assumed custody of Sheikh. Earlier, on Tuesday, a division bench led by Chief Justice T S Sivagnanam had directed the police to transfer Sheikh's custody to the CBI, as reported by Indian Express.

However, the state government contested this decision in the Supreme Court, citing the matter as sub-judice. Despite the government's stance, the division bench reiterated the order for Sheikh's transfer to CBI custody by the specified deadline. In addition to Sheikh's custody transfer, the CBI filed three FIRs on Tuesday about attacks on ED officials, including incidents at Sheikh's residence in Sandeshkhali and in Sarberia, North 24 Parganas district.

These actions followed a previous ruling by the Calcutta High Court, which had ordered the transfer of the probe into the January 5 attack on ED officials in Sandeshkhali, along with Sheikh's custody, to the CBI. The court criticized the West Bengal Police for perceived bias in handling the case, as per the Indian Express report.

Overall, the custody transfer of Shahjahan Sheikh to the CBI represents a significant development in the ongoing investigation, reflecting the judiciary's efforts to ensure impartiality and thoroughness in the handling of sensitive cases. The CBI's prompt action underscores its commitment to upholding the rule of law and conducting a fair and transparent investigation into the Sandeshkhali ED official attack case.