PM Modi to hold rallies in Bengal next week; Sandeshkhali unrest on the agenda

Prime Minister Modi is likely to address the ongoing unrest in the Sandeshkhali enclave, where fresh protests broke out today as angry locals took to the streets and vented their anger by torching the properties of TMC leaders accused of tormenting villagers.

Sandeshkhali unrest: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address public rallies in TMC-ruled West Bengal next week, BJP state chief Sukanta Majumdar said on Friday. Majumdar said the Prime Minister will address public meetings in Arambagh and Krishnanagar in the state on March 1 and 2 respectively.

“The proposed meeting of Honorable Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled for March 1 at Arambagh. It has been proposed that his meeting will take place on March 2 in Krishnanagar. He will address both the gatherings and also dedicate some public plans to the people,” Majumdar said in a video statement on Friday evening.

Modi is likely to address the ongoing unrest in the Sandeshkhali enclave, where fresh protests broke out today as angry locals took to the streets and vented their anger by torching the properties of TMC leaders accused of tormenting villagers.

The Prime Minister is likely to launch a scathing attack on the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC), whose leaders are accused of sexual abuse of women and land grabbing in trouble-ridden Sandeshkhali. Modi is also expected to hold another rally in Barasat, a subdivision in North 24 Parganas district and next to Sandeshkhali village, in the first week of March, ANI quoted BJP sources.

Violent protests rock Sandeshkhali

Meanwhile, a new wave of violent protests swept through the Troubles Sandeshkhali on Friday when angry locals vented their anger by torching the properties of TMC leaders accused of sexually assaulting and tormenting local villagers.

The angry locals also protested the alleged inaction of the police against the perpetrators and demanded that the suspects be brought to book as soon as possible.

A fresh wave of unrest raged in the restive enclave for the second day in a row as angry residents barricaded roads with tree trunks and set them on fire to block the entry of police vehicles into the Jhupkhali area of ​​Sandeshkhali.

Residents of Bermajur area of ​​Sandeshkhali clashed with police as they tried to prevent police vehicles from passing through the area.

“We didn’t stop them at first. We just wanted to talk to them about why they were holding our boys without any charges. They didn’t listen. The police vehicle ran over a woman’s feet. We want to talk to them,” a protester told news agency ANI.

The protesters alleged that police tried to run over a young woman who was saved by timely public intervention.

“Is there any law and order in this country? The police tried to run over a girl. If the public had not known, the girl would have died,” one protester claimed.

“Sheikh Shahjahan and Sirajuddin have seized all our plots. We were protesting. The police violently drove past demonstrators. One of the demonstrators broke his leg,” said another demonstrator.

Sandeshkhali unrest

Since the first week of February, villages in Sandeshkhali area of ​​North 24 district have been witnessing protests over allegations of sexual atrocities against women and land grabbing by TMC leaders.

Police have so far arrested 18 people, including local TMC leader Shibu Prasad Hazra and Uttam Sardar, in connection with the Sandeshkhali violence incidents. They have also added sections on ‘gang rape’ and ‘attempted murder’ against three of the main suspects, one of whom is still absconding.

The sections were added after a victim woman recorded her statement before a magistrate under Section 164 of the CrPC.

A large number of women in Sandeshkhali had accused TMC strongman Shajahan Sheikh and his supporters of “land grabbing and sexual abuse” of them forcibly.

Shajahan has gone into hiding after a gang, allegedly linked to him, attacked Enforcement Directorate officials who had gone to search his premises in connection with a ration scam on January 5.

Shahjahan continues to evade arrest with both the state police and central agencies unable to trace him.

Recently, the Calcutta High Court directed a joint Special Investigation Team (SIT), comprising the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the West Bengal Police, to probe an attack on Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials in Sandeshkhali.

(With input from agencies)