By way of background, on January 5, around 200 local people surrounded and gheraoed ED officers who had arrived to raid Sheikh’s residence at Akunjipara in connection with a ration scam case. Sheikh is said to have close links with an accused in the said case.
ED officers were injured during the ensuing clash. In the wake of this incident, the Governor of West Bengal CV Ananda Bose later called for the arrest of Sheikh.
Meanwhile, more allegations emerged against Sheikh wherein he was accused of sexual assault and land-grabbing activities in Sandeshkhalli village of West Bengal.
The Calcutta High Court later criticised the West Bengal police as well for failing to arrest Sheikh despite the numerous allegations against him.
The West Bengal Police finally arrested the absconding TMC leader on February 29, after he evaded authorities for around 55 days. Soon after his arrest, the TMC announced that they were suspending him from the party for six years.
Source: Barandbench
