Calcutta High Court Criticizes State’s Handling of Sandeshkhali Crisis, BJP Leaders Denied Entry

The Calcutta High Court has strongly criticized the Mamata Banerjee government’s handling of the situation in Sandeshkhali, particularly pointing out the evasion of local Trinamool Congress leader Sheikh Shahjahan. The Chief Justice, TS Sivagnanam, emphasized that Shahjahan “cannot be on the run” and criticized the state’s support for him.

The court took note of allegations made by women in the area, including issues of land grabbing, and expressed concern over one individual holding the entire population hostage with the ruling dispensation’s backing. Chief Justice Sivagnanam stated that “prima facie material” indicates Shahjahan’s detrimental impact on the public, highlighting his evasion after alleged crimes.

Questioning the imposition of prohibitory orders while Shahjahan remains at large, the court criticized the state government for creating unnecessary tension and harassment among locals. The court emphasized the importance of letting people express their views and cautioned against stifling voices. The court also addressed the state government’s challenge to the order halting prohibitory measures, citing concerns about law and order. The state’s counsel mentioned reservations about political leaders’ visits potentially causing trouble in the area.

Shahjahan has been evading arrest for a month since an Enforcement Directorate team faced a mob attack during a corruption case raid at his home. Allegations of land grab, extortion, and sexual assault against Shahjahan and his aides have surfaced in recent weeks. Despite multiple cases and an attack on ED officials, Shahjahan remains at large, leading the court to express surprise at the failure to apprehend him.

The high court has granted permission for BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari and BJP MLA Shankar Ghosh to visit Sandeshkhali, upholding a previous order. However, the BJP leaders were reportedly stopped on their way to Sandeshkhali this morning. There are reports that Prime Minister Narendra Modi may visit the area, according to statements from Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari on Monday.

Critiquing West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Adhikari asserted that the situation in Sandeshkhali is a consequence of Banerjee’s apprehension about losing the Lok Sabha elections. He alleged that Sheikh was not apprehended because the TMC requires the support of individuals like him during elections and has consequently granted him protection.

Several women in Sandeshkhali have recently come forward, accusing the local TMC leader and his associates of both land grabbing and sexual assault. Sheikh has been evading authorities since Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials attempted a search at his residence, during which they were attacked by a mob, leading to the recall of the raid. In response, Mamata Banerjee has placed blame on the BJP, asserting that they orchestrated the incident in collaboration with the ED and the media. She claimed that no woman in Sandeshkhali has filed an FIR and accused the BJP of attempting to disturb the peace in West Bengal.