The ongoing turmoil in West Bengal's Sandeshkali region has now spilled over into neighboring areas. On Friday, a group of individuals ignited a guard room located on an aquaculture field in Bermajur village, alleging that the property had been unlawfully seized by Sheikh Sirajuddin, the sibling of Sheikh Shahjahan, a Trinamool Congress member who is currently evading authorities.
In response to the escalating situation, a substantial police contingent was dispatched to the village to restore order and prevent further disruptions.
Rajeev Kumar, the Director General of Police (DGP) for West Bengal, accompanied by Additional Director General (ADG) Supratim Sarkar, made a visit to the village affected by the violence to offer reassurance to the local populace and affirm a commitment to taking decisive measures against any infractions of the law.
Addressing the community, DGP Rajeev Kumar emphasized the importance of adhering to legal channels for grievance redressal rather than resorting to vigilantism. He also announced plans to establish assistance centers in the village beginning Saturday to address the concerns of residents.
This incident follows closely on the heels of a previous episode in Sandeshkhali, where another group set ablaze a hut belonging to Sirajuddin.
The Sandeshkhali community, particularly its female members, has been staging protests against Sheikh Shahjahan and his associates, alleging instances of land usurpation and sexual misconduct.
Shahjahan has been evading law enforcement since January 5, when individuals purportedly linked to him attacked officials from the Enforcement Directorate during a search operation related to a ration scam.
Earlier in the day, enraged villagers vandalized the residence of TMC leader Ajit Maity in Bedmujur, accusing him of complicity in illicit land acquisition and collusion with Sheikh Shahjahan.
Nevertheless, Maity refuted allegations of corruption and expressed willingness to cooperate with investigations. He further asserted that the individuals responsible for vandalizing his property were supporters of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
DGP Kumar reiterated his commitment to taking legal action against those engaging in acts of violence or succumbing to external influence to flout the law.
"I will instruct my officers to pursue legal measures against those individuals who have engaged in property damage. We all bear a degree of responsibility. If anyone harbors grievances, we are prepared to address them in a systematic manner," stated the DGP.
