Kolkata: The Calcutta High Court, on Tuesday, directed the custody of Sheikh Shahjahan, the former Trinamool heavyweight facing charges of extortion, land grab, and sexual assault in Bengal's Sandeshkhali, to be handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The Bengal Police has been given until 4.30 pm to transfer Shahjahan along with all pertinent case documents.

In response to the High Court's decision, the Bengal government promptly moved to challenge the ruling in the Supreme Court. However, the apex court declined an immediate hearing on the appeal, stating that proceedings would adhere to established rules. Senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi was instructed to bring the plea before the Registrar-General.

Chief Justice TS Sivagnanam, leading the High Court bench, overturned a previous order that established a special investigative team comprising officials from both the CBI and state police. Instead, the case was transferred solely to the central agency.

The Enforcement Directorate and the state government filed separate challenges against this decision. The ED advocated for exclusive CBI jurisdiction over the case, while the state sought police involvement in the probe.

Sheikh Shahjahan had been evading authorities since January 5, following an altercation where a group of his supporters attacked Enforcement Directorate officials en route to conducting raids. His disappearance triggered a significant political controversy, with the ruling Trinamool party facing accusations from the BJP of harboring him.

After 55 days on the run, Shahjahan was apprehended by a special police team and subsequently suspended from the Trinamool for six years. His arrest followed a High Court order issued three days prior, responding to allegations from Trinamool MP Abhishek Banerjee regarding the judiciary's role in the case.

In the midst of the political fracas, Prime Minister Narendra Modi weighed in during his recent visit to Bengal, condemning the Trinamool for allegedly shielding Shahjahan. He criticized Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's administration for prioritizing certain individuals over the welfare of women, particularly in the context of the Sandeshkhali incident.

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