Residents of Bermajur village, situated within Sandeshkhali II taluka of North 24 Parganas in West Bengal, have brought forth allegations against Sirajuddin, the brother of absconding Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Shahjahan Sheikh, regarding the forceful encroachment of their land and subsequent intimidation tactics.
Following the uproar in Sandeshkhali, inhabitants of another village in West Bengal have come forward to voice grievances against purported injustices and land seizures reportedly orchestrated by Shahjahan Sheikh and his sibling Sirajuddin.
Expressing their discontent, locals of Bermajur village recounted instances of land appropriation and coercion, attributing these actions to Sirajuddin. They asserted that their ancestral lands, cultivated for decades, were unlawfully seized by the Sheikh brothers last year, with no compensation offered in return.
Biren Sardar, a resident, lamented the loss of his family's land, emphasizing the absence of restitution and the use of coercive tactics by the alleged perpetrators and their associates. He highlighted the significance of registering complaints and advocated for the restoration of their land rights.
Similarly, Montu Sardar, echoing the sentiments of fellow villagers, described Sirajuddin's tactics, alleging forceful land acquisitions and the conversion of these lands into fish farms. He narrated instances of violence against those who resisted the land seizures, underscoring the need for intervention to rectify the situation.
The installation of a police camp in Bermajur village elicited hope among the locals, who expressed optimism regarding the prospects of addressing their grievances and seeking justice. However, tensions escalated in the village, culminating in acts of arson targeting properties allegedly acquired through illicit means.
In a related development, villagers also targeted the residence of TMC leader Ajit Maity in Bermajur, accusing him of complicity in land grab activities alongside Shahjahan Sheikh. The district administration responded by implementing Section 144 in Bermajur to maintain order amidst rising tensions.
In response to the allegations, Ajit Maity denied any involvement, attributing the acts of vandalism to political adversaries affiliated with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
These recent protests add to the ongoing turmoil in Sandeshkhali, where Shahjahan Sheikh and his associates face accusations of sexual harassment, prompting their evasion from authorities following clashes with Enforcement Directorate officials investigating a ration scam since January 5th.
