The operation was part of the ongoing probe into an attack on an Enforcement Directorate (ED) team in the area.

The arrest of Shahjahan, too, within 24 hours of the Calcutta High Court giving a free hand to the central investigative agencies — CBI and ED — to arrest the culprit underscores the State’s promptness to not let the BJP take the credit for solving the matter.

Shajahan Sheikh had been absconding for the last 50 days, after reports of atrocities against women perpetrated by him and associates came to light.

Jaspreet Singh, a 2016 batch IPS officer presently serving as the Special Superintendent (Intelligence) at West Bengal Police, was identified as the subject of the incident. A video released by the West Bengal Police accused BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari of employing the 'Khalistani' slur against the Sikh officer.

Raids and search operations were started by the ED early Friday morning at five different places in and around the city including Howrah, Bijoygarh and Birati, he said.

Eight days after sustaining injuries during a protest in nearby Taki while trying to enter Sandeshkhali, a riverine area, Majumdar was on Thursday granted permission by the police to visit the trouble-torn region in North 24 Parganas district.

The High Court questioned the state police's inability to arrest prime accused despite multiple cases.

BJP MP Locket Chatterjee levelled direct accusations against the Chief Minister, alleging that TMC leader Shajahan Sheikh, the prime suspect, was receiving protection from the government.

The MLAs expressed frustration at being silenced and prevented from visiting the troubled area.

Union Minister Smriti Irani led the charge, highlighting the disturbing allegations arising from Sandeshkhali in North 24 Parganas district.

With sticks and brooms in their hands, locals took out processions in different areas of Sandeshkhali as protests intensified on the second day.