The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), currently conducting an investigation into the assault on Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) personnel in West Bengal, has taken a significant step by including charges of "attempt to murder" under Section 307 of the Indian Penal Code in two FIRs against Sheikh Shahjahan.
Shahjahan, a suspended leader of the Trinamool Congress party, stands accused as the alleged mastermind behind the violent incident that occurred on January 5 in Sandeshkhali.
Presently, the CBI has lodged a total of three FIRs relating to the attacks on January 5 and has formally submitted them to the Basirhat Sub-Divisional Court in North 24 Parganas District.
Of these three FIRs, two specifically target Sheikh Shahjahan for his alleged involvement in the attack near his residence in Sandeshkhali. According to sources, the charges of attempt to murder have been appended to these two FIRs.
The third FIR concerns another Trinamool Congress leader, Shankar Adhya, from Bongaon, also within North 24 Parganas District. Adhya is currently under judicial custody due to his involvement in a significant PDS (Public Distribution System) case.
On the night of January 5, when the ED officials were apprehending Adhya, his supporters launched an assault on the ED personnel and attempted to obstruct their efforts to take him into custody.
Initially, the charges under Section 307 of the IPC were not included in the FIRs against Sheikh Shahjahan. However, after detailed deliberations between G Varil, Deputy Director of the ED, and CBI investigators earlier this week, it was decided to include charges of attempt to murder against Shahjahan in the FIRs.
Varil had previously lodged the initial complaint at a local police station regarding the attack on ED officials on January 5.
Sheikh Shahjahan is scheduled to appear before the Basirhat Sub-divisional Court on Saturday, where the CBI will be seeking an extension of his custody.
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