KOLKATA: In a significant development in the Sandeshkhali case, a special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court in Kolkata has framed criminal charges against suspended Trinamool Congress leader Sheikh Shahjahan and three of his close associates based on a prosecution complaint filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED).
According to an official statement issued by the ED’s Kolkata zonal office, the Special PMLA Court took cognisance of the matter earlier and, on June 15, 2026, formally framed charges against Sheikh Shahjahan, his brother Sheikh Alamgir, Shiv Prasad Hazra and Dibar Bokesh (also known as Debabrata Bose in some records).
The case stems from a broader investigation into allegations of land grabbing, extortion, illegal fish farming operations and the laundering of proceeds generated through criminal activities in Sandeshkhali, located in West Bengal’s North 24 Parganas district.
Investigation Unfolded
The ED launched its probe based on multiple FIRs registered under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Arms Act. Investigators alleged that Shahjahan, using his political influence and a network of associates, built a powerful criminal syndicate that operated across Sandeshkhali for years.
According to the agency, the network allegedly began with smaller offences before expanding into a wider operation involving intimidation, forceful land occupation, illegal fishery businesses and extortion from local residents.
The ED claimed that illegally acquired money was later projected as legitimate income, particularly through fishery-related businesses and transactions carried out by trusted associates.
The agency further stated that statements from several victims, including those who complained about land grabbing, extortion and threats, were recorded during the investigation.
Search operations were also conducted under provisions of the PMLA, leading to the seizure of several luxury vehicles and financial records connected to the accused.
Earlier, assets worth around ₹27 crore were provisionally attached by the ED, and those attachments were subsequently confirmed by the adjudicating authority.
Four accused already in judicial custody
The ED said four individuals have already been arrested in connection with the case, Sheikh Shahjahan, Sheikh Alamgir (brother of Shahjahan), Shiv Prasad Hazra, Dibar Bokesh, an alleged close aide involved in local extortion activities. All four remain in judicial custody after courts declined to grant them bail.
The framing of charges marks an important stage in the legal process as the court will now proceed toward examining evidence and witness testimonies.
Revisiting the 2024 Sandeshkhali controversy
The Sandeshkhali issue became one of West Bengal’s most high-profile political controversies in early 2024.
On January 5, 2024, an ED team accompanied by security personnel visited Sandeshkhali to conduct searches linked to an alleged public distribution system (ration) scam.
However, the team was allegedly attacked by a large mob near Shahjahan’s residence, leaving several ED officials injured. The incident triggered nationwide attention and intensified scrutiny on the alleged power structure operating in the area.
In the weeks that followed, numerous women from Sandeshkhali publicly accused Shahjahan and his associates of land grabbing, intimidation and sexual exploitation. These allegations sparked protests across West Bengal and turned Sandeshkhali into a major political flashpoint ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
After remaining absconding for nearly 55 days, Shahjahan was arrested on February 29, 2024. He was later suspended by the Trinamool Congress, while legal battles ensued over whether the case would be investigated by state agencies or central agencies.
Subsequently, the Calcutta High Court transferred several aspects of the investigation to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), particularly those related to allegations of sexual assault, land grabbing and the attack on ED officials.
What happened in 2025?
The investigation continued to gather momentum throughout 2025.
In March 2025, the ED initiated procedures to auction some of Shahjahan’s attached assets, including high-end vehicles linked to him and his family members. Authorities described it as a step toward recovering proceeds of crime identified during the probe.
Throughout 2025, courts also continued hearing multiple cases connected to Sandeshkhali. Investigators pursued additional accused and expanded inquiries into extortion networks, witness protection concerns and alleged illegal land occupation.
The developments underscored that the Sandeshkhali controversy had evolved beyond a single criminal case into a broader examination of governance, accountability and the alleged misuse of local political influence.
Why the latest order matters
The framing of charges by the Special PMLA Court does not amount to a conviction. However, it signals that the court has found sufficient grounds to proceed with a criminal trial against the accused.
The case remains one of the most closely watched investigations in eastern India, with parallel proceedings continuing before multiple courts and agencies.
As the trial advances, authorities will seek to establish whether the alleged criminal network systematically generated illegal wealth and laundered it through legitimate business channels over several years. Meanwhile, the accused will have an opportunity to contest every allegation before the court.
