Sandeshkhali
Sandeshkhali incident: Police stop BJP's fact-finding team from reaching spot
Kolkata/IBNS: The police stopped Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)'s six-member fact-finding team comprising union ministers and MPs from reaching West Bengal's Sandeshkhali, where women have accused men linked to Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Sheikh Shahjahan of sexually harassing them.
Barricades of bamboo were placed to thwart any entry into Sandeshkhali, which is located in North 24 Parganas.
BJP MLA Agnimitra Paul, who was with the team, told a local news channel, "There is no rule of law in the state under Mamata Banerjee. TMC's delegation can go but we are not allowed to visit Sandeshkhali."
"Though five people are permitted to enter under Section 144, even two of us were not allowed," she said.
The fact-finding team of BJP turned back and headed to meet Governor CV Ananda Bose in Kolkata.
The turmoil in Sandeshkhali, which is located in 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.
Photo courtesy: Screenshot grab from X video
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.
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