No stay on arrest of TMC's Shahjahan: Calcutta HC

In a fresh round of violence on Monday, a group of women protesters ransacked the house of Trinamool Congress leader Sankar Sardar. The women, protesting with brooms and sticks, targeted the TMC leader’s house. Heavy security forces have been moved in to manage the situation.

WB Police has registered an FIR against Sheikh Siraj, the brother of Shajahan Sheikh, who is accused of “sexual assault and land grab” by several women in Sandeshkhali. The case was registered against Siraj after locals filed a land grab complaint against him at the Sandeshkhali police station.

Meanwhile on Sunday, Trinamool Congress national general secretary, Abhishek Banerjee blamed the judiciary stating hands of police are ‘tied’.

Speaking to media persons during an event Abhishek had said that "Shahjahan Sheikh is being protected by the judiciary so that Sandeshkhali remains in the headlines and continues to burn. What will the police do if the High Court ties their hands?" He countered stating "when TMC didn't spare Partha Chatterjee and Jyotipriya Mallick, then who is Shahjahan Sheikh?"

"The TMC is not shielding Shajahan Sheikh... We have a zero-tolerance policy against anyone committing any crime", he added.

Chief Justice's comment on this matter on Monday was, "To be clear, no instructions have been given to the police. In the case of ED, the formation of the seat was stayed. We did not tell the police that no arrest could be made.'' The court ordered to issue a notice adding Shahjahan to the case. State Police DG Rajeev Kumar had also claimed last Saturday that the police could not arrest Shahjahan because of the court. Because, on the basis of ED's question, the court has stayed the FIR of the state police.