BJP's Suvendu Adhikari stopped from entering Sandeshkhali despite court order

Adhikari and five other BJP MLAs, who were on the way to Sandeshkhali, were stopped at Dhamakhali where police forces were deployed to thwart the entry.

Adhikari was told by a police officer that Section 144, which was lifted by the high court days ago, was in place in the area.

In a confrontation with the police officer, Adhikari said the former was violating the court order.

"Mamata Banerjee is scared," shouted the opposition leader, who said he would wait for an hour in Dhamakhali for police to rethink their decision.

If not allowed even then, Adhikari said he would approach the high court, which on Monday allowed the BJP MLA to visit Sandeshkhali.

The turmoil in Sandeshkhali, a remote block about 80 kms from Kolkata and a part of the Basirhat sub-division of North 24 Parganas district, broke out first in early January when a team of Enforcement Directorate (ED) reached TMC leader Sheikh Shahjahan's residence to quiz him in connection with the ration distribution scam in the state.

Shahjahan's aides allegedly assaulted and chased the ED officers turning the area into a political hotspot months ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.

While Shahjahan is now absconding, several women from the village came out with brooms and sticks demanding the arrest of the TMC strongman.

The protesting women have alleged Shahjahan and his aides captured several lands forcefully and sexually harassed them.

Reacting to the allegations, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said in the state assembly on Thursday, "By targeting Shahjahan, ED entered into the area and then created a rift between the Adivasis and minorities."

"If there is any genuine complaint, the government will take action. But first, I have to learn what has happened," she added.