Union Minister Anurag Thakur criticized West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee regarding the Sandeshkhali case, alleging a state of ‘jungle raaj’ or misrule in the region.
“Everyone has witnessed the ‘Jungle Raaj’ prevailing in West Bengal. The incidents in Sandeshkhali have become widely known, highlighting how under Mamata Banerjee’s leadership, misrule reigns, and women face atrocities,” ANI quoted the minister as saying.
Thakur further expressed concern over women being forced to take to the streets to seek justice, only to face police batons and suppression of their voices. He accused the government of supporting those accused of committing crimes against women and evading justice.
The minister raised questions regarding Mamata Banerjee’s reluctance to promptly arrest Sheikh Shahjahan, a local Trinamool Congress leader accused of sexual assault and land grabbing in Sandeshkhali.
“Why has Mamata Banerjee allowed Sheikh Shahjahan, accused of such serious crimes, to roam freely instead of being arrested? Why does she shield those accused of corruption and crimes against women?” Thakur queried.
Thakur’s remarks coincided with Shahjahan’s arrest after being on the run since January 5, when his supporters attacked Enforcement Directorate officials in Sandeshkhali. Shahjahan was apprehended from a residence in North 24 Parganas’ Minakhan and remanded to 10-day police custody by a local court.
