The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has initiated an investigation into allegations of land grabbing and sexual harassment in Sandeshkhali, West Bengal. The agency has filed a First Information Report (FIR) naming five individuals, including Shahjahan Sheikh, the main accused in the case. This development follows the CBI’s takeover of the probe into the January 5 attack on Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials in Sandeshkhali and Sheikh’s subsequent arrest. The incident sparked a political storm between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Trinamool Congress (TMC) in the state. Since Sheikh’s arrest, women in the area have come forward with allegations of sexual abuse and harassment by TMC leaders. They have claimed that they were summoned to late-night meetings under the guise of self-help group gatherings. Additionally, families have alleged that their agricultural land was forcibly converted to fisheries by TMC members. Sheikh was apprehended by the state police on February 29, a day after the Calcutta High Court authorized his arrest by the CBI, ED, or state police authorities. Reacting to the arrest, the TMC announced Sheikh’s six-year suspension from the party.
CBI Probes Land Grabbing and Sexual Harassment Allegations in Sandeshkhali
