KOLKATA: Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday questioned Ansar Shaikh in connection with an ongoing probe into alleged illegal sand mining and trafficking from riverbeds in Jhargram district and adjoining areas of West Bengal.
The 2016-batch IAS officer appeared before ED officials at the CGO Complex in Salt Lake following the agency’s second summons in the case.
Probe Linked to Alleged Illegal Sand Extraction
According to sources, the ED investigation relates to alleged large-scale illegal extraction of sand from riverbeds during the period when Shaikh was posted as Additional District Magistrate (ADM) in Jhargram.
The probe also involves suspected financial irregularities and transactions allegedly worth several crores of rupees.
Investigators are examining alleged illegal mining activities along the:
- Subarnarekha River
- Kangsabati River
- Dulung River
Officials are reportedly looking into possible violations linked to unauthorized extraction and transportation of sand from these river systems.
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Currently Posted as ADM in Malda
Shaikh is presently serving as Additional District Magistrate in Malda district.
Over his administrative career, he has served in several positions in the West Bengal cadre, including:
- Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO), Dinhata in Cooch Behar
- Officer on Special Duty (OSD), MSME and Textiles Department
- Additional District Magistrate in Jhargram
Ansar Shaikh’s Journey Drew National Attention
Became One of India’s Youngest IAS Officers
Ansar Shaikh had gained national recognition after clearing the UPSC Civil Services Examination in 2016 at the age of 21 on his very first attempt, making him one of the youngest IAS officers in the country.
Born on June 1, 1994, in Shelgaon village of Maharashtra’s Jalna district, Shaikh came from a financially struggling family.
His father worked as an auto-rickshaw driver, while his mother worked as a farm labourer.
Family Sacrifices Behind UPSC Success
Shaikh’s journey became widely discussed due to the hardships faced by his family during his preparation years.
His younger brother reportedly left school early and worked in a motor garage to support Ansar’s education and UPSC preparation.
Despite financial difficulties, Shaikh excelled academically, scoring:
- 91% in Class X
- 91% in Class XII
He later graduated in Political Science from Fergusson College in Pune.
Cleared UPSC at 21 on First Attempt
Shaikh secured All India Rank 361 in the 2016 UPSC Civil Services Examination.
He chose Political Science as his optional subject and wrote the UPSC Mains examination and interview in Marathi.
Reports suggest he secured an impressive 199 out of 275 marks in the personality test.
ED Yet to Issue Official Statement
The Enforcement Directorate has not yet issued any detailed public statement regarding the questioning or the current status of the investigation.
The case is part of broader scrutiny into alleged illegal mining and financial irregularities in parts of West Bengal.
