ACTION PUNJAB NEWS Desk: Tensions escalated over the Sandeshkhali controversy, with the detainment of several women leaders, including BJP MP Locket Chatterjee, on their way to the area under Section 144. The women in Sandeshkhali have been staging protests against Trinamool leader Sheikh Shahjahan and his associates, accusing them of land grabbing and sexual assault. Kunal Ghosh, a Trinamool leader, suggested that the BJP’s directive from Delhi is to keep the Sandeshkhali issue alive until Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to West Bengal in March. Modi is scheduled to be in the state from March 1 to March 2, culminating with a women’s rally in North 24 Parganas, where Sandeshkhali is located.
Ghosh criticized BJP leaders, particularly Locket Chatterjee, for allegedly exploiting the situation for photo opportunities and provoking the locals with dramatic displays. The women’s delegation, led by Chatterjee, also included Agnimitra Paul, Madhuchandra Kar, Priyanka Tibrewal, Sonali Murmu, Falguni Patra, and Paromita Dutta.
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Situation in Sandeshkhali tensed
The situation in Sandeshkhali remained tense, prompting the presence of West Bengal’s Director General of Police, Rajeev Kumar, as fresh protests erupted against Shahjahan. Authorities have arrested 18 individuals, including two TMC leaders and a close associate of Shahjahan, in connection with the land grabbing and sexual assault allegations. Shahjahan himself has been evading authorities since January following an ED raid on his residence.
The West Bengal BJP president, Sukanta Majumder, was also detained earlier for leading a protest against the Sandeshkhali incidents. He vowed to continue protesting until BJP workers are allowed access to the area.
Meanwhile, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) filed a fresh case against Shahjahan Sheikh and conducted searches at various locations in the state on Friday.
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(Inputs from agencies)
