Officer-in-charge of Sandeshkhali police station transferred

NEW DELHI: The officer-in-charge of Sandeshkhali police station in West Bengal, Biswajit Shanpui, has been transferred by the state government amid the ongoing controversy surrounding allegations of sexual abuse and land grabbing against local TMC leaders.

Gopal Sarkar, who previously served as the OC in the Basirhat police district, has been appointed as Shanpui's replacement.

While police authorities claim that these transfers are routine administrative actions due to a reorganisation of additional officials in the district, it is worth noting that on March 1, two officers from the Basirhat police district were also removed following the arrest of TMC leader Shajahan Sheikh.


Sheikh, who was on the run for 55 days, was apprehended by the West Bengal Police for his alleged involvement in sexual assault and land grab cases in Sandeshkhali.

The state government subsequently handed over the case to the CID after Sheikh's arrest.

Recently, the CBI obtained custody of Sheikh from the West Bengal CID, following orders by the Calcutta High Court.

The Sandeshkhali region, located on the fringes of the Sunderbans, has been engulfed in turmoil for over a month due to the allegations against Sheikh and his associates. These allegations include sexual abuse and land usurpation. It is important to note that the Basirhat police district has jurisdiction over this area.
(With inputs from agencies)