Suvendu announces wider action against alleged encroachments
The demolition of former Trinamool Congress strongman Jahangir Khan’s multi-storey mansion in Falta has triggered a warning from Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari that similar action could follow against other properties allegedly built through illegal occupation of land.
Speaking at a Chhath festival organised by the Sanatan Sainik Parishad in Howrah on Thursday, Suvendu described the ongoing demolition as the beginning of a broader drive against alleged land grabbing and unauthorised construction involving former influential TMC leaders.
He specifically referred to the sprawling fish market associated with former Sandeshkhali strongman Sheikh Shahjahan at Sarberia in North 24-Parganas, suggesting that it could be among the next properties to come under scrutiny.
The chief minister said the government intended to reclaim public land and use it for welfare purposes, particularly housing for economically weaker sections.
Reclaimed Falta land to be used for housing
Suvendu said the land recovered after the demolition of Jahangir Khan’s mansion at Srirampur in Falta, South 24-Parganas, would be used to provide homes to poor families under a government housing scheme.
According to the chief minister, the property had been constructed on government land, making its demolition part of the administration's responsibility to recover public assets.
He also alleged that approximately ₹30,000 crore had been siphoned out of West Bengal during the 15-year Trinamool Congress government.
Issuing a warning to those accused of corruption and illegal occupation of public property, Suvendu said the government would not spare anyone found responsible.
"None will be spared. I will put each of them behind bars. You can see what is happening in Falta now," he said.
Referring to Jahangir's mansion, he described it as a palace worth around ₹10 crore and reiterated that the reclaimed land would be used to provide housing to economically disadvantaged people.
Sheikh Shahjahan's fish market named as possible next target
The chief minister's remarks placed Sheikh Shahjahan's business interests in Sandeshkhali in the spotlight.
Suvendu directly referred to the Shahjahan Fish Market at Sarberia, near the Basanti Highway, and indicated that the government could take similar action there.
"Remember, the same drive will be carried out in Sarberia, Sandeshkhali. Shahjahan Fish Market... This is only the beginning. Much more remains to be done," he said.
He further suggested that the government intended to pursue the campaign beyond the Falta demolition, remarking that his administration had been in office for only around six months.
The statement signals a possible expansion of the government's scrutiny of properties and commercial establishments linked to former TMC leaders accused of land-related irregularities. However, the chief minister's announcement does not by itself establish that demolition proceedings against the fish market have formally begun.
Demolition of Jahangir Khan's mansion enters second day
The demolition of Jahangir Khan's multi-storey mansion in Srirampur, Falta, entered its second day on Thursday.
The South 24-Parganas district administration began removing the allegedly unauthorised portions of the building on Wednesday following complaints of violations of construction regulations.
Officials had reportedly issued several notices to Jahangir, who was considered a close aide of Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee. According to the report, he did not respond to the notices.
The action against the property has drawn attention because of Jahangir's former political influence in the area and the allegations surrounding his occupation of land.
The administration's stated position is that the building contained unauthorised construction and stood on government land. The reclaimed area is expected to be used for public welfare purposes.
Allegations surrounding Shahjahan's commercial network
Sheikh Shahjahan's fish market at Sarberia was part of a wider fish-trading and commercial network associated with the former Sandeshkhali strongman.
The Enforcement Directorate had alleged that his business activities were connected to proceeds generated through land grabbing, illegal fisheries and coercive control over fish trading.
Local residents had also accused Shahjahan and his associates of forcibly occupying agricultural and privately owned land and subsequently converting some of those plots into fisheries.
These allegations brought his commercial operations under scrutiny during the wider Sandeshkhali controversy. Any future government action against the fish market would therefore be closely watched, particularly in light of the chief minister's latest remarks.
Political implications of the proposed crackdown
Suvendu's warning marks a significant escalation in the state government's public messaging against former influential TMC leaders accused of land grabbing and corruption.
By linking the Falta demolition with possible action in Sandeshkhali, the chief minister has indicated that the administration intends to examine alleged irregularities involving properties and businesses associated with former political strongmen.
The immediate focus remains the demolition of Jahangir Khan's mansion and the proposed use of the reclaimed land for housing. Whether the government proceeds against Shahjahan's fish market or other properties will depend on the administrative and legal steps that follow.
