BJP Delegation Stopped by West Bengal Police Amidst Unrest in Sandeshkhali

Sabyasachi Ghosh, a BJP leader, was detained in Howrah on charges of orchestrating a prostitution network. This incident unfolds amidst a contentious debate surrounding accusations of sexual misconduct against women in Sandeshkhali. The apprehension of Ghosh has heightened tensions, sparking a heated debate as both factions clash over the Sandeshkhali unrest.

The TMC has accused the BJP of “protecting pimps” and not women, alleging that the Bengal Police busted a prostitution racket operating in Ghosh’s hotel in Howrah. This development comes as several women in Sandeshkhali have accused TMC strongman Sheikh Shahjahan and his aides of sexual exploitation and land grabbing.

A BJP delegation, including prominent leaders like MP Locket Chatterjee and Agnimitra Paul, was forcefully stopped by the West Bengal Police from proceeding towards the troubled region of Sandeshkhali today. Ms. Chatterjee and others have been taken to the Kolkata Police headquarters in Lalbazar.

Sandeshkhali, located in the North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal, has recently become a focal point of protests and violence, with local residents accusing Trinamool Congress (TMC) leaders, particularly Shajahan Sheikh, of committing atrocities, land grabbing, and sexual assault.

A delegation from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), including Locket Chatterjee and Agnimitra Paul, both serving as general secretaries of the BJP’s state unit, was on their way to meet the women of Sandeshkhali and listen to their grievances. The visit was organized against the backdrop of ongoing protests and allegations of human rights violations. The National Human Rights Commission previously issued a notice to the West Bengal state government and the police chief while expressing concern over the ongoing violence and human rights abuses in the area.

The unrest in Sandeshkhali reached a boiling point recently, with angry locals setting fire to properties belonging to TMC leaders accused of mistreating villagers. West Bengal Director General of Police (DGP) Rajeev Kumar responded by promising decisive action against the perpetrators. Women in Sandeshkhali have accused Sheikh Shahjahan of being involved in land-grabbing activities and committing sexual assault, allegedly through coercive means. Shahjahan has been evading law enforcement since a mob, allegedly associated with him, attacked officials from the Enforcement Directorate during a search operation related to a ration scam on January 5.

The situation in Sandeshkhali remains tense, with allegations of human rights violations and political tensions running high. NHRC and BJP delegation’s attempts to investigate the situation have been met with resistance from the West Bengal Police, highlighting the challenges in addressing the unrest in the region. The arrest of Sabyasachi Ghosh underscores the gravity of the situation and the need for a comprehensive and impartial investigation to address the concerns raised by the women in Sandeshkhali.

BY – KASHISH JAIN