Kolkata: West Bengal governor C.V. Ananda Bose ordered state director-general of police (DGP) Rajeev Kumar to immediately arrest absconding Trinamul Congress leader Shahjahan Sheikh, accused of orchestrating the mob attack on an Enforcement Directorate team during its raid at his house in the ration scam.
Suspecting Mr Sheikh’s escape to Bangladesh, Mr Bose also directed the state DGP to probe his links with the terrorists. The governor's move came after his office received a complaint that the TMC strongman is getting support from a section of state politicians and police officers.
On Saturday night, the Raj Bhavan stated, “On receipt of a complaint in the Peace Room of the Raj Bhavan that Mr Sheikh is supported by some political leaders with the connivance of some police officers, the governor instructed the state police chief to arrest the culprit forthwith and report compliance.”
The Raj Bhavan added: “The complaint that he has crossed the border and he has liaison with the terrorists may be enquired into immediately.”
Till late Sunday evening, Mr Sheikh remained at large. According to Raj Bhavan sources, Mr Bose has expressed strong displeasure over the police failure in arresting Mr Sheikh after senior CRPF and ED officers called on him for confidential discussions. He has issued a strong warning that the police should stop the "hide and seek" play.
“People know who is the thief and who is the cop. Officers should stop hunting with the hound and running with the hare. Do not sow wind and reap whirlwind,” sources quoted the governor's warning to the police.
Mr Bose has asked the state government to report on the action taken in the ration scam, explain why Mr Sheikh has not been arrested, clarify whether he is in India or crossed borders, fix up responsibility for the failure of the law and order machinery and punish police officers who failed in their duties.
The TMC leader, however, reportedly sent a recorded audio message from his hideout to his followers and villagers of Sandeshkhali to boost their morale. “I urge you to not be scared of the CBI and the ED. You very well understand that this is a political conspiracy. They think that the TMC will collapse if they can restrict me,” the recorded audio claimed.
In the audio message, Mr Sheikh also alleged, “I was never associated with injustice. If anyone can prove my links to any crime, I will behead myself. Have faith in me. I was not involved in corruption. I will not encourage injustice as long as I live. Don't worry about me or my whereabouts or what will happen to me. Be with our party."
