The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has officially taken over the investigation into the 2019 post-poll violence in Sandeshkhali, West Bengal, registering a First Information Report (FIR) against Sheikh Shahjahan, a former Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader. This action follows the Calcutta High Court's order on June 30, directing the CBI to form a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the case with "utmost seriousness". The SIT will be supervised by a joint director.

The case involves the killings of three BJP workers: Pradeep Mondal, Devdas Mondal, and Sukanta Mondal. They were allegedly killed in an attack on their village in Sandeshkhali, purportedly by a mob led by Sheikh Shahjahan.

Initially, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the West Bengal Police investigated the case. However, the families of the victims, dissatisfied with the progress and impartiality of the state police, petitioned the Calcutta High Court for a CBI investigation.

Justice Joy Sengupta, while handing over the probe to the CBI, noted that the police had failed to take action against the prime accused at different stages, leading to a "gross miscarriage of justice". He also stated that whenever allegations are leveled against Sheikh Shahjahan, the state police "tend to falter". The court made no distinction between the local police and the CID in this regard.

Sheikh Shahjahan has been in judicial custody since January 5, 2024, following his arrest in connection with an attack on Enforcement Directorate (ED) officers during a raid at his Sandeshkhali home. The raid was related to a multi-crore ration distribution scam. Several women in Sandeshkhali had also accused Sheikh and his associates of land grabbing and sexual abuse.

The Supreme Court has upheld the Calcutta High Court's order for a CBI probe into allegations of land grabbing and sexual assault in Sandeshkhali, dismissing an appeal by the West Bengal government. The court questioned the state's interest in protecting an individual.

Sheikh Shahjahan was arrested by the West Bengal Police on February 28 in connection with the attack on ED officials. The arrest occurred 55 days after the attack. Following his arrest, the TMC suspended him from the party for six years. In March 2024, the ED arrested Sheikh Shahjahan in connection with a money laundering case. The CBI has filed a chargesheet against Sheikh Shahjahan and six others for attacking ED officials in Sandeshkhali on January 5. The investigation revealed that Sheikh Shahjahan was the key conspirator behind the attack.

Sandeshkhali, a riverine island approximately 80 km from Kolkata, has been a focal point of unrest, with allegations of land grabbing and sexual abuse by Sheikh and his associates dominating local concerns. The CBI is already probing three cases related to attacks on the ED team.