ED assault case | Bengal Governor asks authorities to arrest TMC leader, probe his links with terrorists

Governor instructs authorities to arrest TMC leader Shahjahan Sheikh, accused of assault on ED officials, amid allegations of links with terrorists.

Expressing concern that TMC leader Shahjahan Sheikh, the prime accused in the case of assault on ED officials, may have "crossed the border", West Bengal Governor C.V. Ananda Bose has instructed authorities to arrest him immediately and investigate his alleged connections with terrorists.

His remarks that Mr. Sheikh has links with terrorists drew sharp criticism from the ruling TMC on Sunday.

The statement issued by Raj Bhavan late Saturday night highlighted that the Governor, upon receiving a complaint in the Peace Room, instructed the police chief to promptly arrest the culprit.

"On receipt of a complaint in the Peace Room of Raj Bhavan that Shahjahan Sheikh is supported by some political leaders with the connivance of some police officers, Hon'ble Governor instructed the Police chief to arrest the culprit forthwith and report compliance," the statement said.

The Governor emphasised on the need to ascertain Mr. Sheikh's whereabouts and take appropriate action.

The complaint alleging that Mr. Sheikh may have "crossed the border" and "liaison with the terrorists" may be "enquired into immediately", the statement added.

Responding to the Governor's comment, TMC spokesperson Kunal Ghosh said, "We don't know what is the basis of his remarks. According to the Constitution, the Governor works in consultation with the State Government. So how can he make such remarks without any concrete report or evidence? He is not here to run a parallel government."