In the wake of disturbing allegations of sexual assault in Sandeshkhali, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with several women who accused suspended Trinamool Congress leader Sheikh Shahjahan and his associates of the heinous crimes. Describing the encounter as an emotional exchange, sources within the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) revealed that the victims expressed their ordeal to the Prime Minister, who listened attentively and empathetically.
Sandeshkhali, a village in North 24 Parganas, has been engulfed in turmoil following accusations against local TMC leader Sheikh Shahjahan. The 40-year-old, referred to as ‘Bhai’ by his supporters, was arrested amidst allegations of sexual assault and land grabbing. His suspension from the TMC for a six-year period underscores the gravity of the situation.
Prior to a rally in Barasat, PM Modi condemned Mamata Banerjee’s handling of the Sandeshkhali situation, labeling it as shameful. He criticized the TMC government for allegedly shielding Shahjahan and his cohorts, emphasizing the need for justice. The PM’s remarks followed a directive from the Calcutta High Court for the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to investigate an attack on Enforcement Directorate officials by Shahjahan and his supporters.
However, the situation escalated as the West Bengal CID, under the Mamata Banerjee government, refused to transfer custody of Shahjahan to the CBI. This move occurred shortly after the state government contested the high court’s order in the Supreme Court. Sandeshkhali has now become a contentious battleground between the TMC and BJP, setting the stage for intense political confrontation in the lead-up to the Lok Sabha elections.
