Kolkata: Two weeks after allegations of sexual assault sparked protests in West Bengal’s Sandeshkhali, opposition leaders finally made it to the island following intervention by the Calcutta high court. One BJP MLA allegedly called a Sikh IPS officer present there a “Khalistani”.
The court criticised the state government’s use of Section 144 – which restricts public assembly – calling it unnecessary and contributing to the rising tensions.
This came after police initially blocked delegations led by BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari and the Communist Party of India (Marxist)’s Brinda Karat.
BJP MLAs led by Suvendu Adhikari visit Sandeshkhali
Adhikari, finally entering Sandeshkhali on his third attempt, met with the villagers, listened to their concerns about the alleged sexual assault and land grabbing and offered his support.
He also visited the home of Bikash Sinha, the BJP leader who was released on bail last week and then re-arrested immediately after apparently in an “old case”.
Addressing the media on the sidelines of his visit, Adhikari said, “We’ve finally spoken to the victims here. Women have been sexually assaulted, and tribals have had their lands forcefully taken. I urged them to pursue justice through the legal system.”
He also came down heavily on the absconding Trinamool Congress leader Sheikh Shahjahan.
“Shahjahan is still roaming around here. If he attempts to escape to Bangladesh, he must be apprehended forcefully. The BSF [Border Security Force] needs to stay alert.”
Incidentally, a photograph of Shahjahan with Suvendu Adhikari when the latter was in the Trinamool Congress has become viral on social media.
CPI(M) leaders meet women protesters
CPI(M) politburo member Brinda Karat also led a delegation of the All India Democratic Women’s Association to Sandeshkhali and spoke to women reportedly affected by recent events.
She was accompanied by Kaninika Ghosh, who was stopped by the police from entering Sandeshkhali earlier this month.
“I personally spoke with the women in Sandeshkhali and they confirmed that all the allegations are accurate. They revealed that they did not report this to the police because, when they attempted to do so, the police at that station instructed them to inform Trinamool leaders first before filing a complaint!” Karat told The Wire.
“The region has a large population of migrant workers and the ruling party exploited that.
“It’s disturbing to learn about these atrocities against women, and the female chief minister of the state dismisses it as a conspiracy without conducting any investigation. The entire area is gripped by fear.”
In response to the criticism, Trinamool Congress spokesperson Kunal Ghosh once again labelled it as drama concocted to disturb the atmosphere.
শুভেন্দুর নাটক তো হল।
টিভিতে সব দেখলাম।কিন্তু ভয়ঙ্কর সব ধর্ষণের যে অভিযোগ তুলে চিত্রনাট্য সাজানো হল, সে সবের একটি নমুনাও তো কোনো চ্যানেল দেখাতে পারল না।
Advertisementবাম, বিজেপির প্রভাবিত অঞ্চলে নিজেদের লোকদের সাজানো মঞ্চে শ্যুটিং করে এল শুভেন্দুরা। টিভি সিরিয়ালের মত।
— Kunal Ghosh (@KunalGhoshAgain) February 20, 2024
Controversy over BJP MLA’s “Khalistani” remark
There was fresh controversy over BJP MLA Agnimitra Paul’s alleged controversial comment labelling a turban-clad IPS officer leading the police force as a ‘Khalistani’.
The entire episode was captured by the media present at the scene and the video was later shared by West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on the X social media platform (formerly Twitter).
Today, the BJP’s divisive politics has shamelessly overstepped constitutional boundaries. As per @BJP4India every person wearing a TURBAN is a KHALISTANI.
I VEHEMENTLY CONDEMN this audacious attempt to undermine the reputation of our SIKH BROTHERS & SISTERS, revered for their… pic.twitter.com/toYs8LhiuU
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) February 20, 2024
In protest, Sikh organisations held a demonstration outside the BJP state headquarters in Kolkata.
Responding to the controversy, Adhikari said, “The officer was rude. He was trying to improve his equation with the chief minister. Neither I nor our companions said anything attacking any religion. We all respect Guru Nanak ji.”
Kunal Ghosh, the Trinamool Congress spokesperson, later posted a video suggesting that Suvendu also called the IPS officer a “Khalistani”.
Calcutta high court criticises West Bengal government on Sandeshkhali
The West Bengal government also came under sharp criticism from the Calcutta high court, which registered surprise at the state police’s inability to apprehend Shahjahan despite several cases having been registered against him over allegations of violence against Enforcement Directorate officials.
The court pointed out that the establishment of redressal mechanisms addressing accusations of land being forcefully taken from Sandeshkhali’s villagers through state government camps inherently indicated prima facie (on the face of it) evidence of land grabbing in the area.
The high court’s chief justice remarked, “The allegation of forcibly seizing lands owned by tribal villagers, in violation of legal formalities, appears to be established on a prima facie basis.”
Editors’ Guild of India releases statement on journalist’s arrest
The Editors’ Guild of India (EGI) and the Kolkata Press Club released statements addressing the arrest of a television journalist on duty in Sandeshkhali by the West Bengal police.
The EGI expressed its concern on Tuesday, describing the arrest of Santu Pan, a journalist with Republic Bangla, as “worrisome”.
Pan, who has been covering the incidents in Sandeshkhali for the channel, was taken into custody during a live broadcast session on Monday evening.
Translated from the Bengali original by Aparna Bhattacharya.
