Amidst the ongoing drama between West Bengal Police and CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation) over handing over of custody of ex Trinmool Congress (TMC) leader Shahjahan Sheikh who is alleged to be the mastermind of attack on Directorate of Enforcement (ED) team in Sandeshkhali, ED has attached assets worth over Rs. 12 crores belonging to Sheikh and others.
According to a statement released on the development by agency, “ED Kolkata has provisionally attached movable and immovable assets worth Rs.12.78 Crore under the provisions of Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002 in the ongoing investigations against Shahjahan Seikh and others. ED initiated investigation on the basis of multiple FIRs registered by West Bengal Police under various sections of IPC Act, 1860 Arms Act, 1959, SC & ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, 1984 and West Bengal State Highways Act against Shahajahan Seikh and others which includes heinous offences in the nature of giving threats of injury, murder, attempt to murder, extortion, grabbing land of general public etc”
Statement further said, “ED investigations under PMLA, 2002 revealed that Proceeds of crime acquired by Shahjahan Seikh by commission of criminal activities relating to scheduled offences as mentioned in above FIRs are being held, possessed, disguised and concealed by Shahjahan Seikh in the form of various movable and immovable properties. Further, ED has attached Proceeds of crime in form of immovable and movable properties to tune of Rs. 12.78 Crore. These properties include 14 immovable properties in the nature of apartment, agriculture land, land for fishery, land and building etc. in Gram Serberia, Sandeshkhali and Kolkata. Two bank accounts have also been attached and further investigation is under progress”