Guwahati, 21st February: The issue of violence in Sandeshkhali has drawn strong criticism from various quarters, including the BJP, the National Commission for Women, and the Calcutta High Court. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has expressed serious concerns about the situation in West Bengal, labeling the incident as a potential sign of the decline of Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and the Trinamool Congress.
Sarma denounced the treatment of journalists in Bengal and highlighted the arrests of those attempting to report the actual situation. He pointed to allegations of sexual violence by Trinamool leaders and multiple harassment cases in Sandeshkhali.
Sarma expressed shock at these atrocities and suggested that the state government was aware of them, implying complicity. He expressed confidence in the legal system, stating that the law would address the situation. He cautioned that a government engaged in such atrocities would face consequences and would not retain power for long.
Recent developments include the arrest of a journalist from Republic TV in Sandeshkhali, prompting the National Human Rights Commission to issue a notice to the West Bengal Director General of Police to submit a report within two weeks. The NHRC received complaints about the illegal detention of a journalist and concerns about media suppression in West Bengal.
The Editors Guild of India condemned the journalist’s arrest. The unrest in Sandeshkhali, which has persisted for over 10 days, stems from allegations of atrocities by TMC leader Sheikh Shahjahan and his associates. Shahjahan, currently evading authorities, faces charges of involvement in a ration scam.
Two TMC leaders have been arrested and charged with gang rape and attempted murder in connection with the unrest in Sandeshkhali.