ED files criminal complaint against suspended TMC leader Shahjahan Sheikh, his brother and others

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed a chargesheet against suspended Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Shahjahan Sheikh, his brother Sheikh Alomgir and others in a money laundering case stemming from their alleged involvement in organised crime in West Bengal.

The ED’s investigation is based on 13 First Information Reports (FIRs) registered by the state police under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Arms Act, in which Mr. Shahjahan Sheikh and others are accused of threatening to commit assault, murder, attempt to murder, extortion, etc., encroaching on public land and obtaining money through illegal means.

“…Shahjahan Sheikh has built a criminal empire revolving around land grabbing, illegal fish farming/trading, hijacking of brick kilns, cartelisation of contracts, collection of illegal taxes/levies, commission on land deals, etc.,” the agency said on Thursday.

During the investigation, the ED recorded statements of local farmers, tribals, fish traders, agents, exporters, landowners and contractors under Section 50 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). During searches, it seized three vehicles belonging to Mr Shahjahan Sheikh and his brother. The agency has so far seized assets worth Rs 27.08 crore in the case, which includes proceeds of the alleged crime amounting to Rs 261.41 crore.

The ED had earlier arrested Mr Shahjahan Sheikh, his brother and two accomplices namely Shib Prasad Hazra and Didar Boksh Molla. They are currently in judicial custody.

Earlier this week, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) filed charges against seven arrested accused, including Mr Shahjahan Sheikh and his brother, for their alleged role in the attack on ED officials in West Bengal’s Sandeshkhali on January 5. On March 5, the Calcutta High Court had directed the CBI to investigate the incident.

“Investigation in the case has revealed that Shahjahan Sheikh was the main conspirator behind the incident… in which ED officials were attacked when they were conducting a search of his residence and office premises. The case involves allegations of money laundering related to proceeds of crime derived from irregularities in procurement, processing/grinding/enrichment and distribution of ration through the PDS system,” the CBI said.

In April, the CBI seized several arms and ammunition from two premises in Sandeshkhali in connection with the attack on ED officials.