ED Raids Shahjahan Sheikh's Properties, BJP's Locket Chatterjee Detained On Way To Sandeshkhali — Top Points

The ED conducted raids at the residences of businessmen allegedly associated with absconding TMC leader Shajahan Sheikh in connection with an old case of fraudulent land grab.

Sandeshkhali, which has been in the news for recent protests over sexual abuse, saw fresh protests on Friday as enraged locals set fire to properties belonging to TMC leaders accused of harassing women and forcible land grabbing in the area.

The locals, armed with sticks set ablaze thatched structures in the Belmajur area of Sandeshkhali in West Bengal, venting their fury against the elusive TMC leader Shahjahan Sheikh and his brother Siraj. 

Here are the top points in the Sandeshkhali story:

1. The fresh protests in the North 24 Parganas district came a day after the area witnessed protests and arson in parts of Sandeshkhali, fueled by allegations against local TMC leaders for sexual abuse and forcible land grabbing. 

2. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted raids at the residences of businessmen allegedly associated with absconding TMC leader Shajahan Sheikh in connection with an old case of fraudulent land grab. 

3. Raids and search operations were started by the ED early Friday morning at five different places in and around the city including Howrah, Bijoygarh and Birati, officials said. The raids were in connection with an old case of fraudulent land grab against Shajahan Sheikh and his associates. This is the fourth summon issued by the ED to Shajahan who has skipped all the previous three summons. 

4. West Bengal BJP MP and State General Secretary Locket Chatterjee was detained by Police while on her way to Sandeshkhali. The BJP team, led by Locket Chatterjee and Agnimitra Paul, both general secretaries of the party's state unit, were stopped by the police, citing prohibitory orders 

5. A National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) team reached Sandeshkhali on Friday to ascertain facts by an on-spot inquiry into allegations of violation of human rights. The NHRC team reached Sandeshkhali via Dhamakhali ferry ghat, after crossing the Kalagachi river by boat. 

6. The NHRC team is scheduled to ascertain facts by holding an on-spot inquiry into the allegations of violation of human rights in the restive area. The NHRC has taken suo motu cognisance of print and electronic media reports that in Sandeshkhali, innocent and impoverished women have been allegedly harassed and sexually assaulted.
 
7. West Bengal BJP president Sukanta Majumdar, who staged a sit-in outside Sandeshkhali police station on Thursday, was forcibly removed from the spot by law enforcers and packed off on a boat to be transported from the restive area.

8. Earlier on Thursday, the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) team led by acting vice-chairperson Ananta Nayak engaged with locals and documented over 23 complaints of forced land grabbing and torture.

9. A large number of women at Sandeshkhali in North 24 Parganas district have accused Trinamool Congress leader Shajahan Sheikh and his supporters of land-grab and sexual assault. The river-bounded Sandeshkhali II block has been witnessing mass protests over these allegations.