On Thursday, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) swung into action in Sandeshkhali, North 24 Parganas, to dig deeper into a race of allegations that have rattled the local politics. The investigation focuses on allegations of ration corruption and land grabbing against Sheikh Shahjahan, a powerful Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief.
A four‑man CBI team landed in the Dhamakhali area of the block and set up a temporary base on the second floor of the customer‑service centre of a state‑owned bank. The officers went straight to the bank, where they called Shahjahan’s supporters and put them through a long interrogation that stretched all day. Bank staff were also questioned. While they spoke with the witnesses, investigators sifted through Shahjahan’s bank records, looking for any irregular transactions or side‑dealings with the ration scam.
This is part of a broader probe that the court has handed to the CBI. Earlier, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) had taken up the case in early January, targeting Shahjahan—who held the post of Executive Director of the North 24 Parganas Zilla Parishad. The ED’s team was ambushed by Shahjahan’s followers as they began to investigate a ration‑corruption scheme in the Agarhati region of Sandeshkhali. The confrontation left the ED investigators shaken and forced the team to retreat.
While the ED team was under attack, local residents began staging protests in February. Villagers accused Shahjahan and his aides of illegally seizing land and sexually harassing women in the area. The tension escalated fast; a 55‑day man‑hunt eventually brought Shahjahan in custody on Feb. 29, 2024.
Following his arrest, a court ordered the CBI to take over the remaining investigation. The CBI’s current move to Dhamakhali is a follow‑up to that directive, aimed at unearthing any financial ties between Shahjahan, the ration scams and the alleged land grabs.
In short, the CBI’s thorough questioning of supporters, bank employees and detailed review of financial dealings marks an aggressive push to untangle a web of alleged corruption in the TMC‑stronghold region. As the investigation unfolds, all eyes remain on Sandeshkhali and on how quickly the authorities can bring a clearer picture of the alleged misconduct to light.
Source: ianslive
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