Tensions remain high in Bermazur village, Sandeshkhali, as local residents continue to protest for over ten days, alleging atrocities committed by TMC leader Sheikh Shahjahan and his associates. The situation escalated on Friday as villagers expressed their grievances, prompting intervention from law enforcement and human rights authorities.
South Bengal Additional Director General Supratim Sarkar and Deputy Inspector General Bhaskar Mukherjee, along with their teams, arrived at the scene to pacify the villagers. However, the residents, in distress, questioned the delay in police action, highlighting incidents of intimidation and threats against their families.
Amidst the unrest, a team from the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) conducted a spot-enquiry in Patrapara, Sandeshkhali, to assess the situation and meet with the victims. The Commission expressed concern over reported human rights violations, describing them as shocking and warranting urgent attention.
In response to the escalating tensions, the NHRC had previously issued a notice to the Director General of Police (DGP), seeking a report within two weeks regarding the detention of a journalist by the police in Sandeshkhali. Additionally, the Commission directed its DIG to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter and submit findings promptly.
The protests in Sandeshkhali primarily stem from allegations against TMC leader Sheikh Shahjahan and his associates, accusing them of land-grabbing and sexual assault under coercion. Despite efforts by state and central agencies, Shahjahan remains elusive, further fueling public outcry and demands for justice.
Recent developments saw the Calcutta High Court ordering the formation of a collaborative Special Investigation Team (SIT), comprising the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and West Bengal Police, to probe an assault on Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials in Sandeshkhali.
As tensions persist and demands for accountability grow louder, the situation in Sandeshkhali underscores the urgent need for thorough investigations and effective measures to address the grievances of the affected villagers.
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