Sandeshkhali, West Bengal: Calcutta High court ordered the arrest of Trinamool Congress Party leader Shajahan Sheikh
On 26th February, the Calcutta High Court ordered the arrest of Trinamool Congress Party leader Shajahan Sheikh, accused of sexual assault and land grabbing in Sandeshkhali, West Bengal. Furthermore, as cited by Live and Law, it directed the Registry to issue a notice in newspapers to the public on Sheikh's involvement as a respondent in the case, mentioning his fugitive status.
The Court recorded in its order, “It is surprising to note that the incidents in that area had been reported to the State Police four years ago and furthermore surprising that it has taken four years for 42 cases to mature into chargesheets. It is not clear as to under what provisions the said chargesheets have been laid. This will be examined at a later stage by this court.”
Senior Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Kunal Ghosh posted on X, “About the arrest of Sheikh Shajahan, Abhishek Banerjee is correct. The matter was stuck in the legal tangle of the court. The Opposition was doing politics using this opportunity. Thanks to the High Court today for clarifying the matter and allowing the police to take action. Shajahan will be arrested within seven days,”
West Bengal Governor C.V. Ananda Bose said, "As we know from the newspaper reports, the Police came there, ministers went there, and petitions were received. From what I understand from the newspapers, more than 800 petitions have been received. The process has started, women have come forward, they have started asserting themselves; and now there will be a change…Generals may not fight, they make others fight. The Governor’s job is to see when the elected government takes action within the rule of law. If that is not done, then the Governor will intervene. That is a momentous statement or a decision given by the High Court, which means the culprit has to be arrested, there is no excuse for not arresting him, he will be arrested; he should be arrested."
Protest in London against the alleged sexual assault and violence committed by Trinamool Congress (TMC) party officials
A significant demonstration against the alleged sexual assault and violence committed by Trinamool Congress (TMC) party officials in West Bengal's North 24-Parganas region took place in London on 25th February. Many members of the Indian diaspora participated in massive protests to show their support for humanity. Protesters highlighted how such crimes go against basic human standards and voiced their disgust of the violence in Sandeshkhali. The demonstrations were directed against TMC leader Shahjahan Sheikh, who is absent at the moment, and represented growing outrage over the perceived injustices in West Bengal. Participants supported the victims and demanded that those responsible for the atrocities face consequences.
The incident set off a political firestorm as the ruling party was accused by the Trinamool Congress (TMC) of covering up leaders involved in a sex racket and by the saffron camp of trying to divert attention from the Sandeshkhali incidents, in which women had accused TMC leaders of sexual abuse.
