In a late-night drama, a political storm over the ongoing tensions in Bengal’s Sandeshkhali took a violent turn in another part of the state on Tuesday. A violent clash broke out between the workers of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), led by the party’s state chief Sukanta Majumdar, and the West Bengal Police after they were stopped from holding a protest.
The clash broke out after Majumdar along with his supporters took a local train to Basirhat, an area in the same north 24 Parganas district, and started marching towards the office of Basirhat Superintendent of Police (SP). Meanwhile, prohibitory orders were placed in the city in view of the escalating tensions in Sandeshkhali.
Around midnight, the police declared that the ‘dharna’ called by BJP was illegal and detained all, including Majumdar. According to sources, the BJP leaders were taken to Basirhat stadium and were then released on PR bond.
Sukanta, who is staying in Basirhat, said that he will be visiting Sandeshkhali on Wednesday after the Calcutta High Court on Tuesday set aside the promulgation of prohibitory orders under Section 144 of CrPC in Sandeshkhali, which has been witnessing protests since last week. However, sources informed that the BJP leader will not be allowed to enter the city and is expected to be stopped in Dhamakhali.
Meanwhile, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) maintained that the situation in Sandeshkhali, which falls under the purview of Basirhat Police Station, is peaceful.
Observing that it is “very disturbed” at the happenings in West Bengal’s Sandeshkhali, the Calcutta High Court on Tuesday took suo motu cognisance of allegations of sexual assault on women “at gunpoint” and transfer of tribal land there and directed issuance of notice to the state authorities.
The Calcutta High Court further set aside the promulgation of prohibitory orders under Section 144 of CrPC at Sandeshkhali over alleged atrocities on villagers by some people owing allegiance to the ruling Trinamool Congress.