Kolkata, March 6 -- Issuing a contempt notice to the West Bengal Crime Investigation Department, the Calcutta High Court on Wednesday asked the CID to hand over the custody of Shahjahan Sheikh, the former Trinamool strongman accused of extortion, land grab, and sexual assault in Sandeshkhali to the CBI by today.

The custody of the accused Shahjahan Sheikh should be handed over to CBI by 4.30 pm on Wednesday, the court said.

Calcutta High Court also observed that state police have played hide and seek in the matter.

"The accused is a highly political influencer. The investigation should be handed over to CBI and the custody of the accused by 4:15 pm today," the High Court said.

The Bengal government earlier refused to hand over custody...