Sheikh Shahjahan is an Indian politician and businessman associated with the Trinamool Congress (TMC) in West Bengal. On February 29, 2024, West Bengal police arrested him on charges of assaulting Enforcement Directorate officials in January 2024.
Wiki/Biography
Sheikh Shahjahan was born in 1971.53 years old; As of 2023) in Sandeshkali, West Bengal. He was born into a poor family. Before becoming a politician, he worked for some time as a fish market agent, trekker driver, conductor and vegetable vendor in Sandeshkhali, West Bengal.
physical appearance
Height (approx.): 5 feet 4 inches
Hair Color: black
Eye Color: black
family
parents and siblings
His father Masibur Mollah had two wives, one in India and the other in Bangladesh. He has two brothers, Sheikh Sirajuddin Akhtar and Sheikh Alamgir.
Sheikh Shahjahan and his brothers (back)
wife and children
Sheikh Shahjahan is married and has four children.
job
politics
In 2003, Sheikh Shahjahan entered politics. He followed the path of his uncle, a Muslim sheikh, who was associated with the CPI(M) as the village panchayat pradhan. Soon after joining politics, he left his driving job and became involved in overseeing local berry farming and managing privately owned land.
young sheikh shajahan
In 2004, Sheikh Shahjahan became the union leader of the brick kilns in Sandeshkhali district. He held this position as the most influential employee until 2010. Later he became famous in North 24 Parganas, a district in West Bengal. Despite losses to the left after 2009, he and his uncle maintained influence in the North 24 Parganas region.
Sheikh Shahjahan visiting North 24 Parganas
In 2013, he switched parties, two years after the Trinamool Congress (TMC) came to power in Bengal. He realized that it was important to work with the ruling party to maintain influence.
TMC leader Sheikh Shahjahan
After joining TMC, Shahjahan became close to Jyoti Priya Mallick, a politician who oversees North 24 Parganas. He then joined Trinamool under the leadership of Mullick. Despite his uncle remaining in the CPI(M) unit, Shahjahan built a following and influence.
Sheikh Shahjahan (in purple jacket) and his mentor and minister Jyoti Priya Mallick.
According to residents of the Sandeshkali area, Shahjahan gradually expanded his business into the fish trade and managed fish farms, formed youth groups, maintained contact with local party leaders and helped during elections.
Sheikh Shahjahan inspects fishing business in West Bengal
Later he was appointed to the standing committee of Panchayat Samiti of North 24 Parganas. He was given the Fisheries and Animal Husbandry Department of Zilla Parishad. He also served as Trinamool block president in Sandeshkhali. Afterwards, they gained recognition by participating in public events such as blood donation camps and blanket distribution and promoting the national welfare system.
Sheikh Shahjahan during political convoy to resolve public issues
In 2018, Sheikh Shahjahan became deputy commissioner of Sarberia Agarhati gram panchayat. He then served as the party chairman in the 2021 Sandeshkhali elections. Later, he became president of Sandeshkhali TMC division and won Zilla parish seat in 2023.
controversy
Shahjahan’s escape across the border
West Bengal police often accused him of crossing into Bangladesh to avoid police arrest. According to reports, Shahjahan continued to challenge his arrest even when he was accused of a double murder involving two BJP leaders in 2020.
Legal problems pile up
He has been charged with 16 counts of land grabbing, 13 counts of murder or attempted murder, five counts of rape and 17 counts of conspiracy offenses between 2020 and 2023.
Illegal land acquisition
He is often criticized for acquiring agricultural land and ponds in Sandeshkhali, Sarberia and Dhamakhali districts belonging to marginalized tribal people with the help of his brothers.
food fraud investigation
In January 2024, his supporters turned violent during a raid on the sheikh’s residence led by ED officials investigating the ration distribution scam. They assaulted ED officials and damaged their vehicles. He was arrested in February 2024.
criminal charges
He was often accused of extortion, assault, and murder. However, Shah Jahan continued to hide from police arrest. He was also involved in illegal cross-border trade. Shahjahan is said to have instilled fear in the people of the Sunderbans region of West Bengal with the help of his brothers. Local women often accused him of socioeconomic and sexual exploitation.
Photo of Sheikh Shahjahan and his brothers (back)
car collection
Sheikh Shahjahan owns 17 cars.
Sheikh Shahjahan with Scorpio
celery
He earns around Rs. 19.8 lakh per annum.
asset/property
movable
- Bank deposit: Rs 1.9 billion
immovable
- Residential Real Estate: Rs 1.5 billion
memo: Personal and immovable property estimates are as of 2024. Assets owned by the wife and dependents (minors) are excluded.
Facts/Quiz
- He is also known by the names Bhai, Matsa Karmadhakshya (West Bengal Fisheries Officer) and Betaj Badshah.
- While serving as deputy commissioner of Sarberia Agarhati gram panchayat, he received the “Child-Friendly Panchayat Award” in 2019 for reducing school dropout and child marriage rates.
Sheikh Shahjahan visits a local school
- In 2021, he acquired a market in Sarberia, renovated it and renamed it after himself. Shahjahan rose to prominence when he began providing jobs to youth, ensuring the safety of women and children, and supporting their livelihoods. He also gave villagers mobile phones and bicycles and supported poor families during weddings and funerals.
Sheikh Shahjahan during political campaign
- He submitted documents that did not include information about his educational background during the 2023 village council elections.
