The escalating violence in Sandeshkhali has drawn widespread criticism from numerous quarters, including the BJP, the National Commission for Women, and the Calcutta High Court. Assam Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma has voiced grave concerns over the situation in West Bengal, warning that it could signal the political downfall of Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and the ruling Trinamool Congress or TMC.
The active media reporting on Sandeskhali matter led to the arrest of a journalist from Republic TV. The spouse of the detained journalist reached out to the National Human Rights Commission of India or NHRC. The complaint outlines the manner in which the Mamata Banerjee Government is suppressing the voices of journalists and the media trying to expose the stories of numerous women victims of TMC leader Shahjahan Sheikh and his associates in Sandeshkhali. Subsequently, the NHRC issued a notice to the West Bengal Director General of Police, demanding a report within two weeks.
CM Himanta decried the treatment of journalists in Bengal and raised alarm over the arrests of those seeking to report on the ground reality. He pointed to allegations of sexual violence involving Trinamool leaders and numerous harassment cases in Sandeshkhali.
Expressing shock at these reported atrocities, the Assam CM suggested the State Government might be complicit in them, implying a lack of action. He expressed confidence in the judicial system, asserting that legal mechanisms would be deployed to address the situation. He cautioned that any government accountable for such atrocities would inevitably face consequences and lose power.
The Editors Guild of India has condemned the journalist’s arrest. The ongoing unrest in Sandeshkhali, spanning over a period of more than 10 days, stems from allegations of atrocities involving TMC leader Sheikh Shahjahan and his associates. Shahjahan, currently evading authorities, faces accusations of involvement in a ration scam.
In connection with the Sandeshkhali unrest, two TMC leaders have been apprehended and charged with gang rape and attempted murder.
