Sheikh Shahjahan Wikipedia BIO, Age, Wife, Family & Net Worth: Meet TMC Political Leader
Sheikh Shahjahan is a name that has been making headlines in West Bengal for the past few years. He is a politician and businessman who is known for his influence and wealth in the Sandeshkhali region of North 24 Parganas district. He is also a close aide of Jyoti Priya Mallick, the state minister and TMC district president. However, his rise to power has been marred by controversies, allegations, and legal troubles. He has been accused of various crimes, such as land grabbing, murder, rape, and criminal conspiracy.
As per Wikipedia, he has also been involved in a ration scam probe, which led to his arrest in February 2024. In this article, we will take a look at the life and career of Sheikh Shahjahan, and how he became one of the most notorious figures in West Bengal politics.
Early Life, Birthday, Early Life and Struggle
Sheikh Shahjahan was born in 1971 (age: 52 years, as of 2023) in Sandeshkhali, a remote and backward area in West Bengal. He came from a poor family, and his father, Masibur Mollah, had two wives, one in India and another in Bangladesh.
He has two brothers, Sheikh Sirajuddin Akhtar and Sheikh Alamgir. Shahjahan had a tough childhood, and he had to work as an agent in the fish market, a trekker driver, a conductor, and a vegetable vendor to make ends meet. He had little formal education, and he could barely read and write.
Sheikh Shahjahan Wiki/Bio
| Name | Sheikh Shahjahan |
|---|---|
| Profession(s) | Politician, Businessman |
| Known as | Bhai, Matsa Karmadhakshya, Betaj Badshah |
| Age (as of 2023) | 53 Years |
| Birthplace | Sandeshkhali, West Bengal |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Political Party | Trinamool Congress (TMC) |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Wife/Spouse | Name Not Known |
| Children | Four |
| Parents | Father – Masibur Mollah |
| Siblings | Brothers – Sheikh Sirajuddin Akhtar, Sheikh Alamgir |
| Salary (approx.) | Rs. 19.8 lakh per annum |
| Assets/Properties | Movable – Bank deposits: Rs. 1.9 crore, Immovable – Land: Rs. 4 crore, House: Rs. 1.5 crore |
| Controversies | Shahjahan’s Cross-Border Escapes, Legal Woes Accumulate, Illegal Land Acquisition, Ration Scam Probe |
Entry into Politics
Sheikh Shahjahan entered politics in 2003, following the footsteps of his uncle, Moslem Sheikh, who was a panchayat pradhan of their village and a CPI (M) leader. Shahjahan quit his driving job and started managing local Bheri farming and privately owned land. He also became the union leader of brick kilns in the Sandeshkhali region in 2004, and gained popularity among the workers and villagers.
He remained loyal to the CPI (M) until 2013, when he switched to the TMC, sensing the changing political scenario in the state. He became close to Jyoti Priya Mallick, who mentored him and gave him important positions in the party. He also formed his own group of supporters and followers, and expanded his influence in the district. He contested and won the Zilla parishad election in 2023, and became the in-charge of fisheries in West Bengal.
Physical Stats
- Height: 183 cm or 6 ft
- Weight: 80 kg or 176 lb
- Eye color: Black
- Skin color: Brown
- Hair color: Black
Wealth and Net Worth
Sheikh Shahjahan’s political career was accompanied by his business ventures, which mainly revolved around the fish trade. He controlled several fish farms, and supplied fish to various markets in Kolkata and other states. He also invested in real estate, hotels, and transport. He amassed a huge fortune, and owned 17 cars, 43 bighas of land, and jewellery worth nearly Rs. 2 crore. He had around Rs. 2 crore in his bank account, and his annual salary was around Rs. 20 lakh. He lived in a lavish house in Sandeshkhali, and often travelled to Bangladesh for business and leisure.
| Asset Type | Asset Details | Asset Value (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Movable | Bank deposits | Rs. 1.9 crore |
| Movable | Jewellery | Rs. 2 crore |
| Movable | Cars | Rs. 3.5 crore |
| Movable | Bikes | Rs. 1.7 crore |
| Immovable | Land | Rs. 4 crore |
| Immovable | House | Rs. 1.5 crore |
Profile
Controversies and Crimes
Sheikh Shahjahan’s rise to power was not without challenges and enemies. He faced opposition from his uncle, who stayed with the CPI (M), and from the BJP, which emerged as a strong contender in the state. He also faced resentment from some of his own party members, who accused him of corruption and nepotism. He was involved in several violent clashes and incidents, which earned him the reputation of a goon and a criminal. Some of the major controversies and crimes that he has been accused of are:
- Sheikh Shahjahan’s Cross-Border Escapes: He often faced the charges of crossing into Bangladesh to escape the West Bengal Police. Reportedly, Shahjahan remained difficult to catch, even when accused of double murder in 2020 involving two BJP leaders
- Legal Woes Accumulate: Between 2020 and 2023, he faced 16 land grabbing, 13 murder or attempted murder, five rape, and 17 criminal conspiracy complaints. He was also named as an accused in the murder of a TMC leader, Manirul Islam, in 2023.
- Illegal Land Acquisition: He was accused of acquiring land from poor farmers and tribals by force or fraud, and selling it to private developers at high prices. He also allegedly encroached upon government land and forest land for his fish farms and other projects.
- Ration Scam Probe: He was under the scanner of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for his alleged involvement in a ration distribution scam, which involved siphoning off funds meant for the poor and diverting them to his own accounts. In January 2024, during a raid at his residence by the ED officials, his supporters turned violent, assaulting the officials and damaging their vehicles. He was then arrested in February 2024.
Spouse, Kids
- Sheikh Shahjahan wife’s name is not known publicly, but she is said to be his childhood sweetheart. They got married in 1990, when Shahjahan was 19 years old. She is a homemaker and stays away from the media glare. She is also a devout Muslim and follows the Islamic rituals and customs.
- He has four children, two sons and two daughters. Their names and ages are also not known publicly, but they are said to be studying in reputed schools and colleges. They are also said to be close to their father and support him in his political and business ventures.
- His married life is not very smooth, as he is often accused of having extramarital affairs with other women. He is also said to be involved in rape cases, where he allegedly forced himself on young girls and women. He is also said to be violent and abusive towards his wife and children, and often beats them up.
- His wife and children are also facing the consequences of his criminal activities, as they are often harassed and threatened by his enemies and rivals. They are also under the scanner of the law enforcement agencies, who are probing his illegal assets and properties. They are also living in fear of their safety and security, as they are often targeted by the angry mobs and protesters.
Sheikh Shahjahan is currently in judicial custody, and facing multiple charges and investigations. His arrest has created a political turmoil in the state, as the TMC and the BJP have accused each other of vendetta and conspiracy. His supporters have staged protests and rallies, demanding his release and justice. His family has claimed that he is innocent and being framed by his rivals. His mentor, Jyoti Priya Mallick, has also expressed his solidarity with him, and said that he will fight for him in the court and in the public. However, some of his party colleagues have distanced themselves from him, and said that he has brought shame to the party and the government. His future seems uncertain and bleak, as he faces a long and hard legal battle, and a possible loss of power and influence.
