Indian Secular Front (ISF) MLA Naushad Siddiqui faced detention by the police in Kolkata on Tuesday as he attempted to visit Sandeshkhali. Engaging in a heated exchange with the police officials, Siddiqui questioned the reasons behind his detention, demanding clarity on any written orders.
“Why am I being stopped from visiting Sandeshkhali? What is the reason behind my detention? Is there any written order?…” questioned MLA Naushad Siddiqui during the confrontation.
The detention comes amid escalating tensions in Sandeshkhali, with accusations of atrocities against TMC leader Sheikh Shahjahan and his associates. The delay in the arrest of Shahjahan prompted criticism, with Congress state chief Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury condemning the ruling TMC for blaming legal processes and the Calcutta High Court.
Chowdhury stated, “Women across West Bengal are out on the streets, crying for justice and fighting for the honor of fellow women in Sandeshkhali. Those in the TMC government should hang their heads in shame for failing to protect the women of Sandeshkhali.”
In response to the accusations against the High Court, the Calcutta High Court Chief Justice ordered the inclusion of Sheikh Shahjahan in the Sandeshkhali case, asserting that there is no reason to delay his arrest.
West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose expressed concern over the situation, emphasizing that if the elected government fails to take action within the rule of law, the governor will intervene. He deemed the decision by the Chief Justice as momentous and stressed that there is no excuse for delaying Sheikh Shahjahan’s arrest.
Sandeshkhali has been gripped by tension as women allege land-grab and sexual assault by TMC leader Shajahan Sheikh and his supporters. Sheikh Shahjahan remains elusive, with both state police and central agencies struggling to locate him, intensifying the unrest in the region.