The Trinamool Congress block president, Shibu Prasad Hazra, who had been missing since allegations of sexual harassment and rape surfaced against him in West Bengal's Sandeshkhali, has been arrested by the police. According to police reports, Hazra was arrested on Saturday, with rape charges added to the first information report filed against him.
The Sandeshkhali incident has ignited a political uproar in the state, with both the opposition and the ruling party engaging in a heated exchange of accusations. On Friday, delegations from the BJP and the Congress were barred from visiting the village.
West Bengal's Director General of Police, Rajeev Kumar, disclosed that while a woman did not initially level any allegations when approached by the police, she later provided a statement before a magistrate under section 164 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC).
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Regarding the Sandeshkhali incident, DGP Rajeev Kumar highlighted the investigative efforts undertaken by the state police. He mentioned that a 10-member committee, led by two DIG rank lady officers, thoroughly investigated the Sandeshkhali area and addressed the concerns raised by the local populace. So far, a total of 18 arrests have been made in connection with the case.
Responding to queries about the imposition of prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the CrPC in the village, Mr. Kumar clarified that the measure was implemented to uphold law and order, not to restrict political access to the area. He said that the decision was prompted by attempts to stir communal tensions or instigate disorder following the incident.
Further, HM Rehman, SP Basirhat, stated that Shibu Hazra was apprehended from the Najat area of Basirhat, West Bengal. He confirmed that a total of 18 individuals, including Hazra, have been arrested in connection with the Sandeshkhali case. An ongoing investigation is being conducted based on the complaints received.
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Hazra, an associate of local Trinamool strongman Sheikh Shahjahan, faces allegations of sexual harassment and land grabbing. Another associate, Uttam Sardar, was previously arrested, while Shahjahan remains elusive after an Enforcement Directorate team was attacked during a raid on his residence on January 5, linked to an alleged ration scam.