West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose on Thursday expressed his satisfaction after Sandeshkhali accused Shahjahan Sheikh was arrested, and called it “light at the end of the tunnel”.
“On 26.02.2024 Hon’ble Governor Dr. C. V. Ananda Bose had advised the Government to arrest the prime accused in the Sandeshkhali incidents, Shahjahan Sheikh, within 72 hours. Governor Dr. Bose has noted with satisfaction that Shahjahan Sheikh has been arrested,” the Governor’s office said.
Speaking to reports, Governor Bose said that with Shahjahan’s arrest he is hoping a new dawn of lawfulness will return to Bengal.
“I told you there will be light at the end of the tunnel. That is democracy. This is a lesson for everyone. Now, let’s hope a new dawn of lawfulness will come back to Bengal. I am glad that good things are happening,” Bose told reporters.
Earlier on Thursday morning, the West Bengal police arrested the Sandeshkhali accused from Minakhan area of North 24 Parganas district over accusations of “sexual assault” and land grab.
“Shahjahan was arrested from Minakhan in the North 24 Parganas district,” Minakhan SDPO Aminul Islam Khan said.
After the arrest, he was produced in a local court, which sent him on a 10-day custody. The police had reportedly sought 14 days custody but the court granted 10 days and posted the matter for next hearing on March 10.
Sandeshkhali in West Bengal’s North 24 Parganas district has been witnessing widespread protests against TMC strongman Shahjahan Sheikh this month as a section of women were seeking justice against alleged atrocities committed by the TMC leader.
A large number of women in Sandeshkhali had accused Shajahan Sheikh and his close aides of “land-grab and sexual assault” under coercion.
The arrest comes three days after the Calcutta High Court Chief Justice ordered to add Sheikh Shahjahan to the Sandeshkhali case.