Sheikh Shahjahan, the TMC strongman, has been remanded to 10-day police custody by the Basirhat Court in West Bengal following his arrest
Lawyer Raja Bhowmick, representing Shahjahan, confirmed the court's decision, stating that a 14-day custody was requested but 10 days were granted. Shahjahan is scheduled to appear in court again on March 10.
West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose described Shahjahan's arrest as an 'eye-opener' and said there's a need to end violence and 'gundaraj' prevalent in certain areas of Bengal.
He said strong action should be taken against culprits and preventive measures should be applied to ensure such incidents do not occur in the future.
Shahjahan's arrest comes after he evaded arrest for over a month, facing allegations of sexual atrocities and land grabbing in Sandeshkhali, where protests against him had intensified.
Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari criticised the arrest, alleging it to be a 'mutual adjustment' and claiming that Shahjahan would control the area from jail. He questioned the efficacy of the arrest without the involvement of central agencies.
Sandeshkhali had witnessed protests against Shahjahan, with women accusing him and his aides of land-grabbing and sexual assault.
The ruling TMC hailed the arrest, attributing it to court clearance and accusing the opposition of exploiting the earlier 'embargo' on his arrest.
The Calcutta High Court clarified that he could be arrested by CBI, ED, or West Bengal Police, leading to his apprehension.
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