Protests in Sandeshkhali have intensified, spreading to new areas with reported incidents of violence. In the latest events, demonstrators in Belmajur allegedly attacked Ajit Maity, a local leader associated with the Trinamool Congress (TMC). West Bengal Director General of Police (DGP) Rajeev Kumar acknowledged the incident, labeling it a ‘mistake’ and ensuring that the police would take necessary actions to maintain law and order in the region.
The unrest originated in the Sandeshkhali 2 block area, 15 km away from the initial violent episode two weeks ago. Roads have been barricaded with burning tires, hindering police access to villages. Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure has been enforced in Belmajur gram panchayat I and II.
Tensions have been high in Sandeshkhali since the first week of February due to protests demanding the arrest of TMC member Shahjahan Sheikh and his associates Shibaprasad Hazra and Uttam Sardar. While Sardar and Hazra were apprehended last week, Sheikh remains elusive since the January 5 attack on Enforcement Directorate officials.
West Bengal DGP Rajeev Kumar and ADG South Bengal Supratim Sarkar rushed to Belmajur following the protests. Kumar, addressing villagers, admitted to the mistake, emphasizing the commitment to uphold the rule of law. He urged the residents to report grievances rather than taking matters into their own hands. Sarkar assured action against allegations, promising arrests for those responsible for the attack on Maity.
Reports indicate that villagers stormed Maity’s house, accusing him of involvement in land grabbing and extortion. Roads in Sandeshkhali were blocked through various means, including setting fires and uprooting trees, with protestors claiming that individuals were detained after the assault on Maity’s house. They also alleged a woman was injured by a police car during a protest.
Earlier in the week, villagers reportedly vandalized a fishery guard room in Jhupkhali, claiming it was illegally established by local TMC leaders. Additionally, a BJP delegation was stopped by the police from visiting Sandeshkhali, leading to further political tensions. BJP leader Amit Malviya accused the West Bengal Police of arbitrary arrests and criticized the government’s handling of the situation.
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