A Trinamool Congress block president, who had been missing since allegations of sexual harassment and rape were leveled against him and another party member by women in West Bengal’s Sandeshkhali, has been taken into custody. Authorities stated that Shibu Prasad Hazra was apprehended on Saturday, and charges of rape have been included in the initial police report.
The situation in Sandeshkhali has ignited a political controversy in the state, with both the opposition and the ruling party exchanging accusations. Delegations from the BJP and the Congress were barred from visiting the village on Friday.
Trinamool Congress has asserted that Hazra’s arrest does not validate the rape allegations made by the opposition, emphasizing that the state police are carrying out their duties.
West Bengal Director General of Police Rajeev Kumar mentioned that while a woman did not initially make any allegations when approached by the police, she later provided a statement before a magistrate under Section 164 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC).
During a press briefing on Saturday, the state police chief stated, “Despite interviewing numerous women, we have not received any complaints of rape. However, one woman has made a statement before the magistrate, which we have added to the FIR.”
Responding to queries regarding the imposition of prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the CrPC in the village, Mr. Kumar clarified that it was done to maintain law and order and not to prevent political parties from visiting the area. He explained that the restrictions were imposed due to concerns about potential communal tensions or disorder related to the incident.
Hazra, an associate of local Trinamool leader Sheikh Shahjahan, is one of two individuals accused by several women of sexual harassment and land encroachment. The other individual, Uttam Sardar, was previously arrested, while Shahjahan remains at large following an incident where an Enforcement Directorate team was attacked during a raid on his residence in connection with an alleged ration scam on January 5.
In response to Hazra’s arrest, Trinamool Congress leader Kunal Ghosh stated, “The police, administration, and government are following the principles of justice. The arrest does not confirm the validity of the opposition’s false accusations of rape and harassment. There are disputes over land and payments. The opposition’s claims are unfounded.” He also criticized the opposition’s focus on Sandeshkhali, pointing out other incidents such as a recent gang rape and murder in Madhya Pradesh.