Sandeshkhali Violence: TMC Claims BJP, Cong, CPI-M Provoking Situation, ED Issues Third Notice To Sheikh Shajahan
West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose expressed grave concern over the current situation in Sandeshkhali, labelling it as “the worst that could happen in a civilised society.”
New Delhi: In the wake of the outbreak of violence in West Bengal's Sandeshkhali, Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Kunal Ghosh accused the BJP, Congress, and CPI-M of attempting to inflame the situation, news agency ANI reported.
According to the report, amid unrest, enraged villagers allegedly set fire to a poultry farm belonging to TMC leader Shiv Prasad Hazra.
“The situation is now under control. While there were some allegations, primarily related to personal issues, the BJP, Congress, and CPI-M were instigating further unrest. Consequently, on the directive of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Abhishek Banerjee ordered the formation of a four-member committee,” ANI quoted Ghosh as saying.
He said that the committee has submitted its initial report following which TMC's Uttam Sharda, a member of one zila parishad, for six years, has been suspended.
According to reports, authorities in Sandeshkhali imposed prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the CrPC and suspended internet services in the wake of escalating protests by local women, who demanded the arrest of TMC leader Sheikh Shajahan and his associates over an alleged land ration allotment scam. The demonstrations, which saw women wielding sticks and brooms, intensified on Friday, marking the second consecutive day of unrest in the area.
Highlighting the Sandeshkhali panchayat's lack of stronghold for the TMC, Ghosh expressed confidence that the state police would take stringent actions against those who were responsible for disrupting peace in the district, ANI reported.
Meanwhile, residents claimed that Shiv Prasad Hazra had unlawfully seized their land, fuelling their agitation and subsequent protest against the TMC leader. Despite a significant police presence in response to the demonstrations, villagers resorted to setting fire to the poultry farm belonging to Hazra.
Worst That Could Happen In Civilised Society: Guv Bose
West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose expressed grave concern over the current situation in Sandeshkhali, labelling it as “the worst that could happen in a civilised society.” He urged the state government to take decisive action and demanded a detailed report on the matter.
In a video message released by the Raj Bhavan on Saturday night, Bose said, “The Sandeshkhali incident showcases the dire circumstances prevailing in a civilised society. Women face harassment and assault in that region. It is imperative for the established government to respond with firm and effective measures.”
#WATCH | Kolkata: On Sandeshkhali violence, West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose says, "This incident shows the worst that can happen in a civilised society...The established govt has to act firmly and effectively. No one will be allowed to take laws into their own hand...The… pic.twitter.com/VOcxT3FAAI
— ANI (@ANI) February 10, 2024
The Governor reiterated the importance of upholding the rule of law, stating, “No individual or group will be allowed to take law enforcement into their own hands. It is the duty of the government to swiftly put an end to such atrocities.”
Meanwhile, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has once again summoned Sheikh Shahjahan. This marks the third time that the ED has issued summons to the absconding TMC leader. The summons requires his presence at the CGO Complex at 11 am on February 12. Having failed to respond to previous summonses, Sheikh Shahjahan has been served notice once more by the ED.
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