Calcutta High Court orders CBI probe into Sandeshkhali sexual abuse and land grabbing allegations

The CBI probe will be monitored by the court.

The central probe agency is also probing into the attack on Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials that took place when Shahjahan's residence was raided.

The attack was allegedly carried out by Shahjahan's loyalists.

While Shahjahan, the Pradhan of Zila Parishad in Sandeshkhali, is now absconding, several women from the village came out with brooms and sticks demanding the arrest of the TMC strongman.

The protesting women have alleged Shahjahan and his aides captured several lands forcefully and sexually harassed them.

Reacting to the allegations, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said in the state assembly on Thursday, "By targeting Shahjahan, ED entered into the area and then created a rift between the Adivasis and minorities."

"If there is any genuine complaint, the government will take action. But first, I have to learn what has happened," she added.

Shahjahan, who was arrested by state police in the ED attack case, was later handed over to the CBI.

The government had set up camps to address the people's grievances and handover the lands, which were allegedly grabbed by local leaders.