Who Is Sheikh Shahjahan?

Shahjahan Sheikh, 42, is popularly known as "Bhai", who started as a small-time worker in the fisheries of the Sandeshkhali block in North 24 Parganas near the Bangladesh border.

Sheikh began as a worker in fisheries and brick kilns in Sandeshkhali. He is the eldest of four siblings.

Sheikh entered politics in 2004 as a union leader in the brick kilns. He later joined the local CPI(M) unit, maintaining his presence despite the changing political landscape in West Bengal.

Known for fiery speeches and organisational skills, Sheikh caught the attention of
Trinamool Congress leadership in 2012.

The 42-year-old worked under the leadership of the then TMC national general
secretary Mukul Roy and North 24 Parganas TMC district president Jyotipriyo Mullick.

He quickly ascended in power, becoming a close associate of Mullick. In 2018, Sheikh gained prominence as the deputy head of the Sarberia Agarhati gram panchayat. His younger brothers are also active TMC workers. They also manage his business, including land dealings.

Sheikh is also a go-to figure for conflict resolution in the area, mediating family disputes and land disagreements.

Despite involvement in criminal cases, reports say, he has played an important role in curbing child trafficking, earning recognition for his efforts in making Sarberia Agarhati gram panchayat a 'Child-Friendly Gram Panchayat' in 2019.

In the aftermath of the violent clashes between BJP and TMC workers in Sandeshkhali post-Lok Sabha elections in June 2019, resulting in deaths on both sides, Sheikh found himself implicated in a murder FIR filed in connection with the incident.