Calcutta HC rejects bail plea of Sheikh Shahjahan, his brother Alamgir in corruption case

The Calcutta High Court on Thursday rejected the bail plea of Sheikh Shahjahan in connection with the Sandeshkhali case, dealing a fresh setback to the jailed leader ahead of the West Bengal Assembly elections. The order was passed by a single bench of Justice Subhra Ghosh, who ruled that bail cannot be granted at this stage based on the current progress of the investigation.

Shahjahan, who is currently lodged in Presidency Correctional Home, had approached the High Court after his earlier bail plea was rejected by the Supreme Court of India. His brother Alamgir had also filed a bail application, which was rejected alongside his. The court indicated that any future plea would require a fresh application based on new grounds.

The case stems from a January 2024 incident, when officials of the Enforcement Directorate were allegedly attacked during a raid at Shahjahan’s residence in Sandeshkhali in connection with a ration scam probe. Investigators were reportedly assaulted by a large crowd armed with sticks and rods, and official equipment was damaged during the violence.

Following the incident, Shahjahan was arrested after remaining absconding for several weeks. The investigation into the attack, initially handled by the state police, was later transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation following court directions. The agency has also raised concerns about alleged attempts to influence witnesses during the probe.

In addition to the ED attack case, Shahjahan’s name has surfaced in other serious allegations, including cases linked to political violence. With the High Court denying bail once again, he is set to remain in custody, keeping him out of the electoral landscape in the run-up to the polls.