Sandeshkhali: TMC says will arrest Sheikh in 1 wk

The Calcutta high court on Monday paved the way for the arrest of controversial Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Sheikh Shahjahan, brushing aside claims by the state government that there was a stay on apprehending the strongman who is accused, along with some aides, of land grab, exploitation and sexual violence.

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The court's comments came a day after senior TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee told a public rally that the judiciary had tied the hands of the West Bengal Police in arresting the man whose presence has kept the village of Sandeshkhali on the boil. Hours after the high court's remarks, the TMC said that Shahjahan, who has been absconding since January 5, will be arrested in seven days.

"Which is that order? How can there be a restraint order asking police not to arrest him? We clarify it right now that there is no order restraining the state police from apprehending," said a bench led by Calcutta High Court Chief Justice TS Sivagnanam.

The bench said that there was no record in any cases relating to incidents at Sandeshkhali that there was a stay on Shahjahan's arrest. "Therefore, the said person shall be arrested by the concerned police authorities," the court directed.

"We will abide by court orders," said a senior IPS officer requesting anonymity.

The court also raised questions about the police investigation, noting that it was surprising that the police took four years to file charge sheets in 43 first information reports (FIRS) involving Shahjahan.

"Four years is too long a period. The issue has been boiling for quite some time and ultimately it has burst," said the court.

Hours later, the TMC said that Shahjahan would be arrested within a week. "We thank the Calcutta High Court for allowing the police to arrest Shahjahan. He will be arrested within a week," Kunal Ghosh, TMC spokesperson, said.