According to ANI, the Section 144 CrPC has been enforced in seven gram panchayats, including Sandeshkhali gram panchayat, within a radius of 500 meters in West Bengal. This imposition will remain in effect until February 19th.
What Sandeshkhali women are saying?
Over the past few days, women in Sandeshkhali have been engaged in a protest against the alleged acts of violence committed by Shajahan Sheikh, a leader of the Trinamool Congress (TMC), and his aides. According to ANI, clashes erupted on February 13 between police personnel and supporters of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) when they attempted to defy the imposed prohibitory orders near the Superintendent of Police’s office in Basirhat, West Bengal. These events occurred prior to the party’s agitation over the allegations of sexual harassment against women in the Sandeshkhali block.
Majumdar expressed concern over the ongoing incidents of sexual assault against women in Sandeshkhali, allegedly committed by TMC workers Sheikh Shahjahan, Shibu Hajra, and Uttam Sardar. Peacefully approaching the SP, they demanded the arrest of these individuals. The lack of action in apprehending them in Sandeshkhali raises doubts about the confidence women can have in their safety.
Earlier, Union Minister Smriti Irani accused West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of having a reputation for the persecution of Hindus. Irani further claimed that Banerjee would allow her associates to target young married Hindu women for rape within the TMC office. The identity of Sheikh Shahjahan, who has been accused of mass rape of Bengali Hindu women in Sandeshkhali, has been a subject of speculation. Now, it is imperative for Mamata Banerjee to address the whereabouts of Sheikh Shahjahan.
What has Mamata govt done?
The West Bengal government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Banerjee, has established a team consisting of 10 members, with a woman officer of DIG rank at the helm, to commence an investigation.
A senior officer, speaking to PTI, expressed great concern regarding the matter and urged women to approach the police if they encounter any issues or have any complaints. The officer assured that strong legal actions will be taken.
The West Bengal Women’s Commission, led by chairperson Leena Gangopadhyay, visited the areas of Sandeshkhali that have been plagued by troubles. They interacted with women in the region who have come forward with allegations of sexual harassment against the absconding TMC leader and his supporters.
Gangopadhyay personally spoke to these women and made note of their complaints. The next step involves verifying the validity of their allegations. Gangopadhyay has instructed the police to submit a report on the matter.
In regards to the Sandeshkhali violence, West Bengal Minister Shashi Panja took a swipe at the BJP on February 13. Panja claimed that the BJP had orchestrated a well-planned conspiracy to incite unrest in Sandeshkhali. Panja further alleged that Smriti Irani, in her press release from Delhi, made provocative comments, and as a result, workers and supporters of the BJP, led by Sukanta Majumdar, threw stones at the police personnel, following Irani’s instructions.