The Calcutta High Court clarified on Monday that there is no injunction preventing the arrest of Trinamool Congress leader Sheikh Shajahan, who is accused of sexual offenses and land encroachment in Sandeshkhali.
In response to allegations of sexual crimes against women and land encroachment against tribal communities, the court directed the inclusion of Sheikh, the Enforcement Directorate, the Central Bureau of Investigation, and the state home secretary as parties in the suo motu case initiated by the court.
A division bench, led by Chief Justice T S Sivagnanam, instructed the high court registry to publish a public notice in newspapers, informing that Sheikh has been included in the case. Sheikh has been missing since a mob attacked ED officials on January 5.
Upon a request for clarification from the court-appointed amicus curiae regarding any restraining order on Sheikh's arrest, the division bench affirmed that no such restriction exists, allowing the police to apprehend him.
The court clarified that its previous stay order only pertained to the formation of a joint special investigation team comprising the CBI and state police, which was tasked with probing the attack on ED officials.
The division bench, which includes Justice Hiranmay Bhattacharyya, scheduled the next hearing for March 4.
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