As tensions escalate in West Bengal’s Sandeshkhali over allegations of sexual harassment, the State Government has made a decisive move, challenging the Privilege Committee’s summons to senior officials, including the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police-DGP, in the Supreme Court. The government argues that the summons portray these officials unfairly as “perpetrators” and lack substantial justification.
Meanwhile, National Commission for Women or NCW Chairperson Rekha Sharma is slated to embark on a two-day visit to Sandeshkhali. Amidst allegations of sexual misconduct levelled by women from the region, Sharma intends to convene discussions with key State officials, including the Chief Secretary and DGP, to address the pressing concerns.
The visit coincides with the arrest of Trinamool Congress leader Shibu Prasad Hazra, a central figure in the Sandeshkhali violence case. Hazra, accused of sexual harassment and evading authorities, was apprehended from a hideout in Basirhat.
In other legal developments, the Supreme Court is set to deliberate on a plea seeking the transfer of the investigation and subsequent trial outside West Bengal concerning the alleged assault on women in Sandeshkhali. The plea, filed by advocate Alakh Alok Srivastava, also advocates for compensation for the victims and accountability for State police officials implicated in dereliction of duty.
Meanwhile, brushing aside the reality of law and order deterioration in the State, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee put the onus on the Bharatiya Janata Party by accusing it of orchestrating the Sandeshkhali incident in collusion with the Enforcement Directorate.
Reacting to it, the BJP refuted these allegations and termed it as “baseless”. The party pinpointed the breakdown of law and order in the State under the Trinamool Congress regime.
In counter allegation, BJP State president Sukanta Majumdar depicted “the true picture of West Bengal” and mentioned, “The truth is the TMC and the State Government officials, be it police or local administration, were hand in glove while committing atrocities on locals.”
Echoing same views at the BJP’s Delhi National Council Meet, legislator Agnimitra Paul hit back at Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for not taking action against the party leaders, who allegedly harassed the women of Sandeshkhali sexually and grabbed their lands forcibly.
“Despite being a woman CM, Mamata Banerjee stood by the absconding accused, Sheikh Shahjahan,” she said, adding Banerjee was also helping Rohingyas settle in Bharat.
Sandeshkhali violence case’s key accused TMC Leader Shibu Prasad Hazra was sent to eight days of police custody by a local court on Sunday.
