Amidst efforts by some Trinamool Congress leaders and the state's administrative machinery to highlight the role of the state police in Sheikh Shahjahan's arrest, the alleged mastermind behind the assault on ED and CAPF teams in Sandeshkhali, North 24 Parganas district, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee opted to stay silent on the matter on Thursday.
Shahjahan, apprehended from Minakhah in North 24 Parganas district after evading capture for 55 days, was placed under 10-day police custody by a district court on Thursday. Shortly after, State Education Minister Bratya Basu announced Shahjahan's suspension from the Trinamool Congress for a duration of six years. Shahjahan, known as a Trinamool strongman in Sandeshkhali, is also accused of harassing villagers in the troubled area.
During an administrative review meeting in Bankura on Thursday, Chief Minister Banerjee refrained from commenting on Shahjahan's arrest.
Political analysts view Banerjee's silence on Shahjahan's arrest as significant, particularly given her shifting stance on the matter over the past 15 days. On February 15, during the budget session of the Assembly, Banerjee attributed responsibility for the tension in Sandeshkhali to the Enforcement Directorate (ED), following reports of the assault on ED officers and CAPF personnel. She alleged that the ED team had targeted Shahjahan and sought to stir trouble in the area.
However, Banerjee's tone changed during an administrative review meeting on Wednesday, where she emphasized her aversion to injustice and violence.
"I do not want oppression or bloodshed anywhere. I do not indulge in injustice. If something happens beyond my knowledge, I do not support that,” Banerjee stated.
Political observers interpret Banerjee's remarks on Wednesday as a possible indication of the Trinamool distancing itself from Shahjahan, a theory further reinforced by his subsequent arrest and suspension from the party.
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