Amid mounting pressure from opposition parties, the Trinamool Congress-led government in West Bengal is facing scrutiny over the events in North 24 Parganas’ Sandeshkhali. Addressing concerns, the State Director General of Police (DGP) Rajeev Kumar announced that a 10-member committee, led by two Deputy Inspector General (DIG) rank women officers, has been formed to investigate the Sandeshkhali events.
“State police 10-member committee led by two DIG rank lady officers investigated the entire area of Sandeshkhali and listened to the issues faced by the people. A total of 17 arrests have been made in the Sandeshkhali case,” stated the DIG during a press conference in Kolkata on Saturday.
Assuring transparency in the investigation process, the DGP emphasized, “Police are not trying to hide anything and we have said that necessary action will be taken. If anyone has such complaints (rape complaints), register written complaints and we will investigate.”
Regarding the imposition of prohibitory orders under Section 144, the DGP stated, “We will be reviewing the situation area-wise, and in a day or two, we will remove Section 144. We will ensure that normalcy returns to the region”
Kumar acknowledged attempts to exploit the incident for communal agendas and enforce lawlessness, necessitating the imposition of Section 144. He affirmed the police’s commitment to uncovering the truth and taking appropriate action against any perpetrators based on evidence.
Responding to allegations of land grabbing, the DGP announced the deployment of teams from the land department to address the issue. “For land grabbing issues which seem to us to be a major factor there, there will be teams from the land department. From tomorrow onwards they will be visiting places, there will be camps. They will be accepting the complaints.” he assured.
Meanwhile, Basirhat Superintendent of Police (SP) HM Rehman confirmed the arrest of Shibu Hazra, an associate of TMC leader Shahjahan Sheikh, in connection with recent incidents. “Shibu Hazra has been arrested from the Najat area of Basirhat in West Bengal today. A total of 18 people have been arrested including Shibu Hazra. An investigation is underway based on the complaints we are receiving.” the SP stated.
Rehman clarified that while no rape complaints were received by the police, one woman lodged a complaint before a magistrate, which will be duly investigated. He further noted that no complaints have been filed against Shahjahan Sheikh.
Reassuring villagers of their safety, the SP affirmed, “Police and force are deployed in every gram panchayat. There are sufficient number of forces. There are lady police officers. Senior officials are in charge of supervision. There is no need to fear. If there is any complaint, come to us.”
The Bharatiya Janata Party’s accusations against the West Bengal police of favoring the TMC continue to fuel political tensions in the region.
