PMLA Court frames charges against Sheikh Shahjahan, 3 others

The Special PMLA Court in Kolkata has formally charged suspended Trinamool Congress leader Sheikh Shahjahan and three others under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002.

The accused include Sheikh Shahjahan, his brother Sheikh Alomgir, Shib Prasad Hazra, and Didar Boksh. The court acknowledged the Prosecution Complaint from the Enforcement Directorate’s Kolkata office, filed on May 27, 2024, and on June 3, 2024.

The charges are connected to alleged land grabbing in Sandeshkhali, North 24 Parganas district, and to money laundering from these activities.

The Enforcement Directorate says the accused and their associates took land by threatening locals, including farmers, tribals, and fish merchants, using intimidation, extortion, and organised crime. They reportedly made significant illegal profits by using these properties, especially in the shrimp and fish trade.

The investigation began after West Bengal Police filed several FIRs for crimes like extortion, threats, attempted murder, and land grabbing.

The Enforcement Directorate collected statements under Section 50 of the PMLA and conducted searches, resulting in the seizure of vehicles linked to the accused. Earlier, the agency had frozen assets worth Rs 14.28 crore belonging to Sheikh Shahjahan, Sheikh Alomgir, and their associates. With these charges, the case will now go to trial.