Sandeshkhali: Women Clash With Police, RAF In Fresh Violence. Bengal Governor Writes To CM Mamata Banerjee

Sandeshkhali witnessed fresh clashes between local women and police over the detention of an individual linked to attacks on policemen. Governor C V Ananda Bose urged CM Mamata Banerjee to intervene.

Violence erupted in Sandeshkhali again as women scuffled with police on Sunday. ( Image Source :X/@Amit_Malviya )

In less than 24 hours after the elections, Sandeshkhali, already troubled by violence, witnessed another round of skirmishes on Sunday. This time, it was between local women and the police when the Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel arrived and detained one individual in connection with attacks on policemen, news agency PTI reported. Women in Agarhati village in the Sandeshkhali area engaged in a scuffle with the RAF personnel, felled tree trunks, and blocked roads as the police arrived in search of individuals accused of assaulting them the previous night.

"We have not arrested anyone, but local women have started protesting. Some of our female colleagues are injured. We are trying to talk to them and remove the barricades from the roads," a senior officer from Basirhat Police District told PTI.

STORY | Violence erupts in Sandeshkhali again, women scuffle with police

READ: https://t.co/fj6KxIXmLb

VIDEO: pic.twitter.com/3Kek80qrrK

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) June 2, 2024

The officer also mentioned that there was an attempt by the local women to snatch the detained person, but it was thwarted. "We are trying to bring the situation under control. A huge number of RAF, Quick Response Team (QRT) and policemen are present here," he added.

Sandeshkhali, a riverine delta bordering the Sundarbans, has been tense since January 5 when a team from the Enforcement Directorate (ED) was attacked during a raid on the premises of TMC strongman Shajahan Sheikh in connection with an alleged ration scam. Sheikh and his accomplices were arrested by West Bengal Police on February 29 for their involvement in the attack on the ED officers.

Following the mob attack by around 1,000 people, in which three ED officials were injured, a deputy director of the agency filed a complaint with the superintendent of police in Basirhat.

West Bengal Governor C V Ananda Bose Writes To CM Mamata Banerjee

Amidst this escalating violence, West Bengal Governor C V Ananda Bose expressed his concerns on Sunday. Speaking to PTI, Bose said he has written to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, urging her to take immediate action to restore peace in Sandeshkhali. "I am a bit worried about the situation in Sandeshkhali. From the inputs I have received, I have come to know about incidents of attacks on the women of Sandeshkhali within hours after the polling was over yesterday. I have written to the Chief Minister about the steps taken in this regard," Bose stated.

The Governor also assured the residents of Sandeshkhali of their safety. "If such attacks continue and the inhabitants are tortured, I will open the doors of the Raj Bhavan for them to come and stay here. They will be provided safe shelter here," he added.

Meanwhile, the BJP claimed a "renewed attempt to intimidate the people" of Sandeshkhali.

"After polling day, there is renewed attempt to intimidate the people of #Sandeshkhali. These are visuals from Booth no 35, Sarberia, Sardeshkhali. WB Police along with TMC goons are threatening people. They said, post 4th June, they will make all the women widows. BJP leadership is currently on the spot. Just WATCH how women of #Sandeshkhali are pushing back, fighting back and revolting against Mamata Banerjee’s anarchy. This is a sign of a new beginning in Bengal… the fight against injustice that the world should sit up and take note. Mamata Banerjee’s police cannot defeat Durga Swaroopa Naari Shakti," BJP IT Cell chief Amit Malviya posted.

After polling day, there is renewed attempt to intimidate the people of #Sandeshkhali.

These are visuals from Booth no 35, Sarberia, Sardeshkhali.

WB Police along with TMC goons are threatening people. They said, post 4th June, they will make all the women widows. BJP… pic.twitter.com/uHUYVP6Sq1

— Amit Malviya (मोदी का परिवार) (@amitmalviya) June 2, 2024

The situation remains tense, with a substantial police presence attempting to restore order and prevent further violence.