In a scathing critique directed at West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee regarding the Sandeshkhali issue, Union Minister Smriti Irani made allegations on Monday, asserting that the TMC leader is notorious for the ‘massacre’ of Hindus.
Addressing the media in the national capital, Irani stated, “The women of Sandeshkhali are pleading for assistance and safeguarding. Mamata Bandopadhyay is infamous for the massacre of Hindu women, and she is allowing her supporters to systematically target Hindu married women for repeated acts of sexual violence in TMC premises.”
She continued, “Women from the SC/ST community in West Bengal’s Sandeshkhali have informed the media that TMC members visit households to identify attractive women. These women have shared details with journalists about the intentions of TMC leaders and their interactions with the husbands of women seeking help. TMC representatives have informed these husbands that, ‘You may remain husbands in name only, with no rights.'”
Irani further remarked, “Bangladeshi women have disclosed to journalists about TMC’s actions, ‘They subject us to nightly assaults. Until the TMC members are satisfied, there is no respite.'”
She raised concerns, asking, “Can we, as citizens, remain passive bystanders? Who is this individual accused by Sandeshkhali women of perpetrating mass rape against Bengali Hindu women? This question arises because when the women of Sandeshkhali spoke to local media, they were specifically targeted based on their marital status and religion. The identity of Sheikh Shahjahan has remained a mystery until now.”
Additionally, Irani highlighted an incident from the previous month where Enforcement Directorate (ED) officers were attacked in the North 24 Parganas district while attempting to search the premises of TMC leader Sheikh Shahjahan in connection with an alleged ration scam. However, Shahjahan has been evading authorities since the incident.
“The last time this name was heard was during the assault on ED officers, who were ambushed, injured, and subjected to bricks and stones. The ED stated that three officers sustained injuries with intent to cause death. Mamata Bandopadhyay, you have compromised the dignity of SC/ST communities, fishermen, farmers, and their women for your political gains,” Irani asserted.
She questioned, “Where is Sheikh Shahjahan? Additionally, Section 144 has been imposed in Sandeshkhali, preventing these women from assembling and speaking to the media.”
Irani urged the media to focus attention on the alleged incidents in Sandeshkhali village. “For those in the media who operate impartially and ethically, listen to the voices of the women of Sandeshkhali and inquire, where is Sheikh Shahjahan? Why does Mamata permit door-to-door searches by TMC members to identify and continuously victimize Hindu women?” she emphasized.
Earlier, locals, predominantly women, staged protests in various parts of Sandeshkhali, carrying slippers and demanding the arrest of TMC leader Shahjahan Sheikh over an alleged land ration allotment scam and reported cases of rape.
Reports indicate that Section 144 has been enforced in certain areas of the village following these protests by locals.
