Sandeshkhali’s TMC Leader Sheikh Shahjahan: A Political Force in West Bengal
Who exactly is Sheikh Shahjahan, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader from Sandeshkhali in North 24 Parganas, who has been in hiding for nearly two months before being apprehended by the state police on Thursday morning?
TMC officials in the area remarked on the rapid ascent of Shahjahan, who, at 45 years old, has seen a remarkable rise. He became a party member in 2013, just two years after the Mamata Banerjee-led TMC took control of the state, replacing the Left Front administration.
According to local accounts, Shahjahan initially worked as a driver and occasionally assisted trekkers, collecting fares from passengers in Sandeshkhai and Sarberia. He was mentored by his maternal uncle Moslem Sheikh, a CPI(M) leader at the panchayat level.
Over time, Shahjahan transitioned into the fish trade, eventually gaining control over fish farms in the region. As his influence expanded, he began forming his own militia consisting of young villagers. He maintained connections with local political figures and provided support during elections, as recounted by a resident of the village.
Jyoti Priya Mallick, a former state minister and TMC leader, recognized his influence and prominence after the TMC assumed power in 2011. Mallick, now imprisoned due to his suspected involvement in a large-scale ration distribution scandal, identified Shahjahan’s potential early on. Shahjahan, closely associated with Mallick, joined the TMC in 2013 and quickly rose to prominence within the party. Many villagers attest that his influence surpassed that of numerous elected officials. His power was evident when a mob of 800-1,000 individuals attacked Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials who attempted to search his residence on January 5, resulting in injuries to three officials. Shahjahan, accused of orchestrating the attack from his home through numerous phone calls, has been evading authorities since then.
His influence was so significant that if any villager wished to file a complaint against any members of the TMC with the police, they would be directed to approach Shahjahan, affectionately known as ‘bhai’. He ensured that Sandeshkhali remained free of opposition, to the extent that if he were removed, it could alter the political landscape. According to a police official, 43 FIRs have been filed against him in the past four years, with charge sheets submitted in 42 cases; he has been declared absconding in some instances. Details about his educational qualifications remain scant, with even the documents he submitted during the 2023 panchayat polls failing to mention his educational background.
The records, however, indicate that he asserts himself as a businessman earning approximately ₹19.8 lakh annually, with bank savings exceeding ₹1.9 crore. A father of three, he possesses about 43 bighas of land valued at around ₹4 crore and a house in Sarberia valued at about ₹1.5 crore. Additionally, he possesses at least 17 motorcycles.
Sheikh, known as ‘Matsa Karmadhakshya’ (fisheries in-charge) in North 24 Parganas, oversees the district’s fishery development, indicating his significant influence in both political and economic realms.
Nevertheless, pressure has been increasing on the TMC as villagers, particularly women, have taken to the streets demanding his arrest. The Calcutta High Court has also expressed surprise on multiple occasions regarding why Shahjahan has not been apprehended.
Despite accusations from the opposition that the Mamata Banerjee administration was protecting him, the state government asserted that his arrest was prevented due to a stay order issued by the Calcutta High Court. Disregarding assertions from TMC officials suggesting that the police were hindered by a stay order, the high court clarified on Monday that it had not issued any such order preventing the police from apprehending the influential TMC figure. Additionally, on Wednesday, the court authorized the CBI and ED to proceed with his arrest.
