- By Vivek Raj
- Sun, 25 Feb 2024 12:27 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Members of the Fact-Finding Committee, on their way to Sandeshkhali, were halted at Bhojerhat, South 24 Parganas, triggering protests against the police and administration's obstruction. The members were later arrested by the police under preventive sections. Charu Wali Khanna, a committee member, alleged deliberate interference by the police, hindering their mission to meet the victims in Sandeshkhali.
#WATCH | Charu Wali Khanna, a member of the Fact-Finding Committee says "We were visiting Sandeshkhali, but they have stopped us...Police have purposely stopped us and are creating problems for the common people. Police are not letting us meet the victims of Sandeshkhali..." pic.twitter.com/ckAJsEwqlu
— ANI (@ANI) February 25, 2024
Expressing discontent, committee members staged a sit-in protest on the road, condemning the authorities' actions as a violation of their rights. They vowed to escalate their grievances to the Governor, Union Home Minister, and Prime Minister, citing recurring instances of obstruction by the state government.
#WATCH | West Bengal: A member of the Fact-Finding Committee, OP Vyas says, "We are sitting here obediently to oppose as they (police) have stopped us illegally which is against our rights. We'll complain about it to the CM, Governor, Union HM and even to the PM. During Ram… pic.twitter.com/Fg21ZawAXD
— ANI (@ANI) February 25, 2024
Earlier also BJP delegation was stopped by the Bengal cops from visiting the Sandeshkhali area even after the Calcutta High Court’s order, sparking tensions between the cops and BJP workers.
ALSO READ: UP Police Exam Paper Leak: STF Makes First Arrest After Answer Key Leaked To Candidates
The controversy surrounding Sandeshkhali stems from allegations made by the BJP against associates of local Trinamool leader Sheikh Shahjahan, implicating them in cases of sexual harassment and illicit activities. Ground reports supported claims of land encroachment and extortion, echoing the sentiments of residents who accused Shahjahan's allies of exploiting government schemes for personal gains.
Shahjahan, evading authorities after an attack on an Enforcement Directorate team, faces intensified scrutiny over the situation in Sandeshkhali. With two of his associates already apprehended, the state police have made 17 arrests and established complaint centers to address resident grievances.
Meanwhile, the Trinamool Congress has countered BJP's allegations, accusing them of instigating unrest on the island. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee hinted at an "RSS base" in Sandeshkhali.
In another development, police arrested ISF leader Ayesha Bibi from Sandeshkhali for her alleged role in burning poultry farms owned by TMC leader Shibaprasad Hazra. Additional villagers were detained for their involvement in vandalism. A police spokesperson emphasized that individuals taking law and order into their own hands will face legal consequences.
The riverine area of Sandeshkhali, situated on the borders of the Sunderbans, has been simmering with protests against TMC leader Shajahan Sheikh and his associates for over a month. Accusations of land grabs and sexual abuse have fueled public outrage, leading to heightened tensions in the region.
