The West Bengal government has imposed Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) within a radius of 500 meters around 7 gram panchayats, including Sandeshkhali. This measure has been implemented to uphold law and order amidst the BJP’s protests regarding allegations of sexual harassment in the Sandeshkhali block. The imposition of Section 144 will remain in effect until February 19. Previously, the Calcutta High Court had lifted the prohibitory orders under Section 144 (CrPC) on Tuesday.
The turmoil stemming from the incidents in Bengal’s Sandeshkhali incited violence in a different area of the state on Tuesday. Confrontations erupted between police forces and BJP backers when attempts were made to flout the imposed restrictions near the SP’s office in West Bengal’s Basirhat, preceding the party’s protests regarding allegations of women’s sexual harassment in the Sandeshkhali block.
However, amid the riots in the city of West Bengal, BJP spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia slams the TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee over the regular religious riots in the state.
He said, “Mamata Banerjee being a woman does not have any sympathy for the victim woman of the state. Mamata rule is as same as the jungle raj.”
He continues saying, “if Mamata has a bit of shame left, she must resign immediately from her Chief Ministry post.”
VIDEO | “Questions will be asked from Mamata Banerjee – why do you hate Hindus, tribals and backward people? Your goons are exploiting people and you are silent,” says BJP leader Gaurav Bhatia (@gauravbhatiabjp) during a press conference in Delhi.
(Full video available on PTI… pic.twitter.com/02LtpiGDh4
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 14, 2024
BJP activists, under the leadership of the party’s state head Sukanta Majumdar, clashed with law enforcement in Basirhat when their attempt to stage a demonstration was thwarted. Police officers were observed confronting party members as they breached barricades and entered the village. The village was engulfed in turmoil as authorities resorted to wielding batons to disperse the protesters. Subsequently, several activists along with Sukanta Majumdar were apprehended but later released. Meanwhile, in Sandeshkhali, women have been protesting for the past few days, alleging mistreatment by TMC leader Shajahan Sheikh and his associates.
However, there are several videos goin viral on social media, which show sexual assault in the area.
Women in #Sandeshkhali, WB are up in arms.
Shahjahan Forces used to pick up women of their choice for one night stands.
If anyone had a complaint, the police would direct them to Shibu Hazra another chamcha of Shahjahan as if he is the CJI. सब मिले हुए है जी I#TMC misrule pic.twitter.com/rMab7AqT4X— SK Chakraborty (@sanjoychakra) February 10, 2024
After his release, the BJP state president alleged that the police ‘misbehaved’ with the women workers of the party.
“The police detained us and party workers… The police misbehaved even with the women workers of the party… We will take the police to the court… They treated us like thieves or criminals… The police do not obey the Constitution of the CrPC, they only listen to Mamata Banerjee…” he said.
