1. Sandeshkhali violence triggers broad condemnation from political, judicial, and national bodies.
2. Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma expresses serious concerns, predicting ramifications for Mamata Banerjee and TMC.
3. Situation highlights broader issues of governance and law enforcement in West Bengal.
Kolkata, Feb 21: The recent outbreak of violence in Sandeshkhali, West Bengal, has sparked widespread criticism and concern from various quarters, including political parties, national commissions, and judicial bodies.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has notably voiced grave apprehensions about the situation, foreseeing it as a potential harbinger of the downfall of Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her Trinamool Congress (TMC) party.
Sarma strongly condemned the treatment of journalists in Bengal, particularly citing the arrest of individuals attempting to report on the ground realities.
He underscored allegations of sexual violence involving TMC leaders and numerous instances of harassment documented in Sandeshkhali, expressing shock and dismay at the reported atrocities.
Additionally, Sarma hinted at the state government’s awareness of these incidents, suggesting a degree of complicity.
Asserting his confidence in the legal system, Sarma emphasized that the law would ultimately address the situation.
He cautioned that a government engaged in such egregious acts would inevitably face repercussions and lose its grip on power in due course.
The recent arrest of a journalist from Republic TV in Sandeshkhali has further intensified the spotlight on the region, prompting the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to issue a notice to the West Bengal Director General of Police, demanding a comprehensive report within two weeks.
The NHRC has received multiple complaints alleging the unlawful detention of journalists and raising concerns about media suppression in the state.
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In response to these developments, the Editors Guild of India has denounced the arrest of the journalist, condemning it as an infringement on press freedom.
Meanwhile, the unrest in Sandeshkhali, which has persisted for over a week, revolves around allegations of misconduct by TMC leader Sheikh Shahjahan and his cohorts.
Shahjahan, presently evading law enforcement, faces accusations related to his purported involvement in a ration scam.
Amidst the escalating tensions and mounting accusations, two TMC leaders have been apprehended and charged with offenses including gang rape and attempted murder in connection with the tumultuous events unfolding in Sandeshkhali.
