In a significant development, Sandeshkhali in North 24 Parganas district, West Bengal, witnesses heightened tensions as the area is converted into a police cantonment. Internet services remain suspended for the third consecutive day, accompanied by the imposition of Section 144. The former legislator and leader of the CPI ( Marxist) party from Sandeshkhali have been taken into custody, further intensifying the unrest.
Shibu Hazra filed a complaint on Wednesday regarding an alleged ration scam involving fugitive accused Sheikh Shahjahan, a leader of the Trinamool Congress, and his associates. The demand for their arrest led to clashes on February 7, where Hazra actively participated. However, Sheikh Shahjahan and his associates remain at large, denying the allegations.
Section 144 Enforced Across Sandeshkhali Thana Area
Section 144 has been enforced across the Sandeshkhali Thana area, encompassing eight gram panchayats, leading to a shutdown of markets and shops on Saturday. Internet services have been disrupted, and the police are urging citizens to avoid gatherings.
Senior Police Officers Deployed to Sandeshkhali Amidst Unrest
Following the uproar, several senior police officers, including DIG SCRB Siddhinath Gupta, IG Administration SR Jhanjhariya, DIG Barasat Sumit Kumar, and SP Bashirhat, arrived in Sandeshkhali on Friday night. Police checkposts have been established along the route from Dharamtala to Sandeshkhali, causing tension in the region. Route marches and police patrolling are underway.
ED Team Attacked in Sandeshkhali on January 5
It is noteworthy that on January 5, an Enforcement Directorate (ED) team faced an attack in Sandeshkhali while conducting raids at the residence of TMC leader Sheikh Shahjahan. The incident resulted in confrontations with locals opposing the action.
Sheikh Shahjahan Remains at Large, Stirring Controversy
Sheikh Shahjahan has been on the run since the ED raids. The demand for the arrest of Sheikh Shahjahan, Ujjwal Sardar (alias Shibu Hazra), District Councilor and TMC Zonal President, and Shiv Prasad Hazra (alias Shibu Hazra) has fueled unrest in Sandeshkhali since Wednesday. Women protested on Thursday and Friday, wielding brooms, sticks, bamboo, and lathis in front of the police station. Properties belonging to Shibu Hazra, including poultry farms, houses, and gardens, were set ablaze.
Allegations of Sheikh Shahjahan’s Exploitation in the Name of TMC
Local residents accuse Sheikh Shahjahan of exploiting people in the area for an extended period in the name of the Trinamool Congress. They demand the return of lands seized by him, with active support from Shibu Hazra and Ujjwal Sardar.
14 Arrests Made Amidst Unrest
As of Saturday, the police have arrested a total of 14 individuals to maintain law and order in Sandeshkhali. Eight people were arrested on Friday night. Sumit Kumar, DIG Barasat, emphasized the deployment of strict security measures to prevent any disturbances. Section 144 continues to be in effect since Friday night.
Internet Services Disrupted to Prevent Unrest
To prevent the spread of unrest, internet services have been disrupted, and stringent action will be taken against those attempting to disturb the peace. Authorities have assured that the disruption will not affect students who had exams on Saturday, with adequate security measures in place.
Uttam Sardar Arrested After Suspension from Trinamool
In the wake of the turmoil in Sandeshkhali, accused Uttam Sardar was suspended from his position as a member of the North 24 Parganas Zilla Parishad and the Anchal Adhyaksh of Trinamool for six years on Saturday morning. Shortly after the announcement, the police arrested him from the Sandeshkhali Thana area. Additionally, Vikas Singh, a BJP leader, was also arrested on charges of inciting violence in the region.
