CBI’s anti-corruption branch in Kolkata has arrested another suspect in connection with the alleged attack on Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials at Sandeshkhali in North 24 Parganas district, during a raid at the residence of former TMC leader Shahjahan Sheikh  on January 5, 2024, an officer said on Wednesday.

Abul Hossen Molla alias Duronto, reportedly a close associate of Sheikh and a key accused in the attack on ED officials was arrested on Tuesday evening from South 24 Parganas district.

Molla was produced before a local court in Basirhat, which remanded him to four-day CBI custody, the officer said.

Molla had been evading Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) notices and was also absconding from his home.

A non-bailable warrant had been issued against him by a competent court.

“Mollah was involved in the attack on ED officers during the raid last year. He can also be seen in photographs captured during the assault,” the officer said.

The CBI has already filed a chargesheet against suspended Trinamool Congress leader Shahjahan Sheikh and six others in connection with the January 5 attack on ED officials. The 100-page CBI chargesheet mentions Sheikh, his brother Alamgir, Shibaprasad Hazra, and Deedar Baksh as accused, with charges framed for rioting and criminal intimidation.

A mob attacked an Enforcement Directorate (ED) team on January 5 while they were on their way to conduct searches at the house of suspended Trinamool Congress leader Shahjahan Sheikh in Sandeshkhali’s Sarberia area, injuring some officials. Sheikh, a TMC strongman, was suspended from the party and faces allegations of land-grabbing and sexual harassment. He evaded capture for 55 days before being arrested by West Bengal Police on February 29 and handed over to the CBI by the Calcutta High Court. The CBI filed an FIR on March 5, taking over the case.