The investigation also involves suspected financial irregularities linked to transactions worth several crores of rupees. Shaikh appeared before ED officials at the CGO Complex in Salt Lake in the morning in response to the agency's second summons. Large-scale illegal extraction of sand allegedly took place in Jhargram during the period when Shaikh was posted there as additional district magistrate.

Shaikh, at present posted as an ADM in Malda district, had drawn national attention after becoming one of the country's youngest IAS officers by clearing the UPSC civil services examination at 21 on his first attempt. The alleged illegal mining activities are said to have taken place along the Subarnarekha, Kangsabati and Dulung rivers.