Sheikh Shahjahan is an Indian politician and businessman associated with the Trinamool Congress (TMC) in West Bengal. On February 29, 2024, the West Bengal police arrested him for assaulting an Enforcement Directorate officer in January 2024.
Wiki/Biography
Sheikh Shahjahan was born in 1971 in Sandeshkhali, West Bengal (age 53 in 2023). He was born in a poor family. Before becoming a politician, he worked for a while as a fish market broker, trekking driver, conductor and vegetable vendor in Sandeshkari, West Bengal.
appearance
Height (approximately): 5′4″
Hair color: black
Eye color: black
family
Parents and siblings
His father, Masibur Molah, had two wives, one in India and the other in Bangladesh. He has two brothers, Sheikh Sirajuddin Akhtar and Sheikh Alamgir.
Sheikh Shah Jahan and his brothers (back)
wife and children
Sheikh Shah Jahan is married and has four children.
Profession
politics
In 2003, Sheikh Shah Jahan entered politics. He followed the path of his uncle, a Muslim Sheikh, who was associated with the CPI(M) as the panchayat pradhan of the village. Shortly after joining politics, he quit his job as a driver and began overseeing local Berry Farming and managing private land.
Young Sheikh Shah Jahan
In 2004, Sheikh Shahjahan became the leader of the brick kiln union in Sandeshkhali district. Until 2010, he held the position of most influential worker. Later, he became prominent in the North 24 Parganas region of West Bengal. Although the Left has been suffering losses since 2009, he and his uncle have retained influence in the North 24 Parganas region.
Sheikh Shah Jahan visits North 24 Parganas
He changed parties in 2013, two years after the Trinamool Congress (TMC) came to power in Bengal. He realized the importance of forming an alliance with the ruling party to maintain influence.
Sheikh Shahjahan as TMC leader
After joining the TMC, Shahjahan became close to politician Jyoti Priya Mallick, who oversees North 24 Parganas. Later, he joined the Trinamool under the guidance of Mullick. Although his uncle remained in the CPI(M) unit, Shah Jahan cultivated his following and established his influence.
Sheikh Shah Jahan (in purple jacket) with his mentor and minister Jyoti Priya Malik
According to villagers in the Sandeshkhali area, Shah Jahan gradually expanded into the fish trade, controlled fish farms, formed youth groups, maintained contact with local party leaders and helped during elections.
Sheikh Shah Jahan inspects his fisheries business in West Bengal
Later, he was appointed as a member of the Standing Committee of the Panchayat Samiti of North 24 Parganas. He was assigned to the fisheries and animal husbandry department in Zilla Parishad. He also served as Trinamool block president in Sandeshkhali. He then gained recognition by participating in public events such as blood donation camps and blanket distribution and by promoting national welfare programmes.
Sheikh Shah Jahan addresses public issues in political convoy
In 2018, Sheikh Shahjahan became the deputy director of Sarberia Agarhati gram panchayat. Later, he served as the party convener in the 2021 Sandeshkarli elections. Later, he became the president of the Sandeshkhali TMC unit and won the Zilla parish seat in 2023.
dispute
Shah Jahan’s Cross-Border Escape
West Bengal police have often accused him of crossing the border into Bangladesh to evade police arrest. According to reports, catching Shah Jahan will still be challenging even after he is accused of a double murder case involving two BJP leaders in 2020.
Legal woes pile up
From 2020 to 2023, he was charged with 16 cases of land grabbing, 13 cases of murder or attempted murder, 5 cases of rape, and 17 cases of criminal conspiracy.
illegal land acquisition
He is often accused of acquiring agricultural lands and ponds belonging to marginalized groups in Sandeshkhali, Sarberia and Dhamakhali districts with the help of his brothers and tribal people.
Ration scam investigation
In January 2024, his supporters turned violent during a raid on Sheikh’s residence led by ED officials investigating the ration distribution scam. They attacked ED officials and damaged their vehicles. He was arrested in February 2024.
criminal charges
He regularly faced charges of racketeering, assault and murder. However, Shah Jahan managed to escape police arrest and remained in hiding. He also engaged in illegal cross-border trade. Shah Jahan, with the help of his brother, allegedly instilled fear in the people of the Sunderbans district of West Bengal. Local women often accuse him of socioeconomic and sexual exploitation.
Photo of Sheikh Shah Jahan and his brothers (back)
car collection
Sheikh Shahjahan owns 17 cars.
Sheikh Shah Jahan and his Scorpio
salary
His income is approximately Rs. 1.98 million per year.
assets/property
Activity
- Bank Deposit: Rs. 1.9 Crores
real estate
- Residential Property: Rs. 1.5 Crores
notes: The movable and immovable property estimates given are calculated based on 2024. Excludes assets owned by his wife and dependents (minors).
Facts/Trivia
- He is also known as Bhai, Matsa Karmadhakshya (in charge of fisheries in West Bengal) and Betaj Badshah.
- While serving as deputy director of Sarberia Agarhati gram panchayat, he was awarded the Child-Friendly Panchayat Award in 2019 for reducing school dropout and child marriage rates.
Sheikh Shah Jahan visits local schools
- In 2021, he took over a market in Saberia, renovated it and renamed it after himself. Shah Jahan is credited with starting to provide employment opportunities for young people, ensuring the safety of women and children and supporting their livelihoods. He also gave away mobile phones and bicycles to villagers and supported poor families during weddings and funerals.
Sheikh Shah Jahan during political campaign
- During the 2023 panchayat elections, he submitted a document that did not include information about his education.
Categories: Biography
Source: HIS Education