Shahjahan Arrest to Jail: Sandeshkhali Case Full Timeline 2026

Shahjahan Arrest to Jail: Sandeshkhali Case Full Timeline 2026

 Sanchita chatterjee: 

The name of Sandeshkhali in North 24 Parganas became known to the whole country in February 2024. And behind this recognition, there is only one name - Sheikh Shahjahan. From a once powerful Trinamool leader to the main accused in the attack by a central agency, serious allegations like rape and land grabbing - the controversy has not left his trail.

Shahjahan's rise in Trinamool

Sheikh Shahjahan was the Trinamool Congress president of Sandeshkhali Block No. 1. He had not only party posts, but also administrative power in his hands. He was the superintendent of the Fisheries and Livestock Department of North 24 Parganas Zilla Parishad. There is a huge business of fish farming and shrimp farming in river-bound areas like Sandeshkhali. Due to this business, his influence and prestige in the area increased. A section of the locals allege that by exercising this influence, he gradually became the 'unrestrained king of Sandeshkhali'.

What are the allegations against him?

 There are mainly three types of serious allegations against Shahjahan:

Ration corruption: The ED claims that the money from the state's ration distribution corruption used to reach Shahjahan through roundabout routes. The ED went to his house to investigate this case.

Sexual harassment: In February 2024, hundreds of women from Sandeshkhali took to the streets and complained that Shahjahan and his two henchmen Shibu Hazra and Uttam Sardar would take them out of their homes in the dark of night and torture them day after day.

Land grabbing: Allegedly, farmers' land was forcibly grabbed in the name of making sheep. The land was made unfit for cultivation by pouring salt water into it and bought at a low price. If they protested, they were beaten and threatened.

January 5: Attack on ED

On January 5, 2024, an Enforcement Directorate team went to Shahjahan's Sandeshkhali house to search in the ration corruption case. Allegedly, as soon as the ED officers entered the house, they attacked hundreds of Shahjahan's followers. Bricks and stones were thrown, ED vehicles were vandalized, three officials were seriously injured. After this incident, Shahjahan went on the run. No one, central agency, state police - could find him.

Women's rebellion in Sandeshkhali

Almost a month had passed after the attack on ED, but Shahjahan was still missing. Meanwhile, the situation in Sandeshkhali changed in the first week of February. Women from the village took to the streets with sticks and brooms. Continuous protests started against Shahjahan, Shibu Hazra, and Uttam Sardar, alleging sexual harassment and land grabbing. There were sporadic clashes with the police. This movement reached the national level. From the opposition party to the Human Rights Commission - everyone reached the spot.

Finally arrested

The administration wavered in the face of women's movement and political pressure. After 55 days of not being able to return, the police arrested Sheikh Shahjahan from a house in the Bamanpukur area of ​​Minakhan in the early hours of February 29, 2024. After his arrest, he was first handed over to the CID custody and later to the CBI. He is currently under trial in three separate cases - ration corruption, attack on ED and sexual assault.

What is the status now?

Although Shahjahan has been arrested, the wounds of Sandeshkhali are still burning. Many women are still afraid to file complaints. The ED and CBI are simultaneously investigating his property accounts. He has also been removed from the post of Zilla Parishad chief. The Trinamool Congress initially kept its distance but later suspended him for 6 years.

The Sandeshkhali incident has clearly shown how dangerous the politics of rural power can be. If convicted by the court, Shahjahan's political career is over, but the biggest challenge now is to get justice for the people of Sandeshkhali.