The Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Kolkata Zonal Office, continues its relentless pursuit of justice in a case that unravels a complex web of criminal activities. Following a decision from the Hon’ble PMLA Court awarding a 10-day ED detention, the ED brought into custody Shib Prasad Hazra, Sekh Alomgir, and Didar Boksh Molla, all associates of Shahjahan Seikh, on December 4, 2024. This development comes in the wake of the ED’s earlier custody of Shahjahan Seikh for 13 days, shedding light on the gravity of the investigation.
The West Bengal Police filed numerous FIRs against Shahajahan Seikh and others under the IPC Act, 1860, the Arms Act, 1959, the SC & ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, 1984, and the West Bengal State Highways Act. These FIRs served as the basis for the ED’s investigation. A number of heinous offenses are listed, including extortion, land grabbing from the people, murder, attempt to murder, and threats of injury.
Further investigation into the matter has shown that Shahjahan Seikh has been running fisheries on property that was forcibly taken from farmers and tribal members. Proceeds of Crime (PoC) include earnings from a variety of different businesses, including brick kilns, as well as money made from the selling of fish and shrimp under the name of his company, M/s SK Sabina Fish Supplier. Through organizations like M/s Magnum Export, these illegal gains have been laundered, portraying the tainted money as legitimate.
Shahjahan Seikh’s illegal activities have consequences that go beyond just financial gain. Through the PoC, he has accumulated a sizable portfolio of real estate, both immovable and moveable, that was obtained through illegal activities. In response, the Enforcement Department (ED) acted quickly and attached Shahjahan Seikh’s assets, which are estimated to be worth around Rs. 12.78 crore. This provisional attachment order, dated May 3, 2024, demonstrates the ED’s dedication to obstructing the transfer of illegal funds and prosecuting those who commit financial crimes.
As the investigation progresses, the ED remains steadfast in its mission to unravel the intricate layers of criminality and ensure that justice prevails. With each new breakthrough, the ED gets closer to taking down a vicious network that has abused and exploited vulnerable communities for its own financial benefit. The ED has demonstrated its integrity and resolution by standing firm in the face of difficulty in upholding the rule of law and protecting societal interests.
To sum up, the continuous inquiry spearheaded by the ED is a prime example of the unwavering quest for justice despite the influence of organized crime.Through meticulous scrutiny and unwavering determination, the ED continues to dismantle criminal networks, bringing perpetrators to account and restoring faith in the sanctity of the law.
