1. Sandeshkhali, West Bengal, sees ongoing unrest amid demands for the arrest of the Trinamool leader.
2. Protesters, especially women, call for action against Sheikh and associates over land grabbing and harassment allegations.
3. The region remains tense as demonstrations continue to demand justice.
Kolkata, Feb 16: The Sandeshkhali region of West Bengal remains embroiled in unrest as protesters, particularly women, persist in demanding the arrest of Trinamool leader Shajahan Sheikh and his associates, citing allegations of land grabbing and sexual harassment.
BJP Fact-Finding Team’s Visit
Today, a six-member fact-finding team led by BJP chief JP Nadda is scheduled to visit Sandeshkhali. This team, arriving in Kolkata on Thursday night, aims to meet with women who have accused the Trinamool leader of sexual assault and compile a comprehensive report for Nadda.
Supreme Court Petition for Special Probe
Simultaneously, a petition has been filed in the Supreme Court urging a special investigation into the violence in Sandeshkhali.
The petitioner seeks either a probe by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) or by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), emphasizing the need for a fair and impartial inquiry into the matter. The PIL, filed by advocate Alakh Alok Srivastava, underscores the gravity of the situation.
Mamata Banerjee’s Response
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, addressing the Sandeshkhali case, has attributed the unrest to the actions of the saffron camp, accusing them of inciting trouble in the region.
In contrast, the BJP and the National Commission for Women (NCW) have levied accusations against Banerjee’s party and the state government, alleging complicity in crimes against women.
Banerjee contends that her administration has taken all necessary measures to restore peace, attributing Sandeshkhali’s recent tumult to past communal tensions exacerbated by the presence of RSS in the area.
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Opposition Leader’s Obstacles
West Bengal Opposition leader Suvendu Adhikari faced hindrances in his attempts to visit Sandeshkhali and meet with families of those arrested in connection with the case. Adhikari and three other BJP legislators were stopped by police at Rampur village en route to Sandeshkhali, citing prohibitory orders.
NCW Findings
A team from the National Commission for Women (NCW) investigated the Sandeshkhali incident, uncovering what they describe as a “distressing pattern of negligence and complicity” on the part of the West Bengal government and law enforcement officials.
Their report, released on Thursday, highlights the need for accountability and justice in addressing the exploitation of women in the region.
The developments in Sandeshkhali underscore the urgency of addressing the grievances of the affected communities and ensuring justice prevails in the face of ongoing turmoil.
