Trinamool Congress leader Sheikh Shahjahan, accused of sexual violence and land grabbing in the village of Sandeshkhali, was apprehended on Thursday in the Minakhan area of North 24 Parganas district in West Bengal.
His apprehension comes amidst widespread protests in Sandeshkhali against purported offenses committed by regional TMC leaders, including Shahjahan, who had been on the run since an assault on Enforcement Directorate officials in Sandeshkhali last month.
His arrest follows weeks of mounting pressure on the West Bengal government, as tensions persist in Sandeshkhali, with numerous political and civil factions advocating for action. Shahjahan is scheduled to appear in Basirhat court today.
Who is Sheikh Shahjahan
1999: Sheikh Shahjahan, 42, also known as "Bhai," initially worked as a trekker driver and part-time vegetable vendor in the fisheries and brick kilns of Sandeshkhali in North 24 Parganas near the Bangladesh border, according to PTI sources.
2003: Inspired by his uncle Moslem Sheikh's association with the CPM and later elected as the panchayat Pradhan, Shahjahan embarked on his remarkable journey from a humble trekker driver to a political figure.
2004: Shahjahan joined as a union leader in brick kilns, later affiliating with the local CPI(M) unit. Despite political shifts in West Bengal, he maintained his involvement, gaining recognition for his impassioned speeches and organisational skills.
2012: Shahjahan caught the eye of Trinamool Congress leaders, leading to his alliance with the TMC under Jyotipriya Mullick's leadership. This marked a significant shift, establishing his faction within the party and expanding his influence and business ventures.
2018: Recognised for mediating family disputes and land disagreements, Shahjahan's stature grew when he became the deputy head of the Sarberia Agarhati gram panchayat.
Post-2019 Lok Sabha polls: Despite polarised opinions within the region, Shahjahan's efforts against child trafficking earned him accolades. However, he was implicated in a murder FIR following violent clashes between BJP and TMC workers in Sandeshkhali.
2023: Shahjahan's political ascent culminated in his appointment as president of the Sandeshkhali TMC unit and securing a Zilla Parishad seat.
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