Protests have escalated in Sandeshkhali, a village in North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal, since February 8th following allegations from numerous women claiming that top leaders of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) have instigated a campaign of intimidation against them. The demonstrations have been triggered by accusations of continuous harassment and misconduct by TMC affiliates.

The women of Sandeshkhali allege prolonged harassment by TMC men who purportedly inspect homes and mistreat the women repeatedly. The main accused in these allegations, Sheikh Shahjahan, a local Zila Parishad member, is currently evading law enforcement after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) attempted to raid his property. The local populace, spurred by these events, is demanding immediate and decisive action against the offenders.

The Underlying Issue

This situation was further highlighted when ED officials, attempting to investigate Sheikh Shahjahan for his involvement in a ration distribution scam, were attacked. Although not directly related, the raid gave the women of Sandeshkhali the courage to voice the abuses they have endured under Shahjahan and his associates for years. The Kolkata High Court, taking suo moto cognizance of these incidents, has ordered Shahjahan Sheikh to surrender, citing sufficient evidence of his involvement in significant disruptions in the area.

Chronology of Events: Sandeshkhali Crisis

• January 5th: ED officials were obstructed and harassed by alleged TMC supporters during a raid at Sheikh Shahjahan’s residence concerning a ration scam.
• January 7th: Sheikh Shahjahan absconds; BJP petitions Calcutta High Court against him.
• January 8th: Allegations surface against an injured ED official involved in the Sandeshkhali incident.
• January 9th: Ministry of Home Affairs requests a detailed report from the state government regarding the attack on ED officials.
• January 11th: Calcutta High Court halts any probe against ED officials until March 31 regarding the Sandeshkhali incident.
• January 14th: West Bengal police arrest two more suspects related to the January 5 attack on ED officials.
• January 17th: Calcutta High Court establishes a Special Investigation Team with CBI and police to probe the attack on ED officials.
• February 7th: Sheikh Shahjahan fails to appear before the ED despite multiple notices.
• February 10th: Fresh violence in Sandeshkhali following renewed protests demanding the arrest of Shahjahan Sheikh.
• February 13th: Governor visits Sandeshkhali, promising support to the victims; Calcutta High Court orders lifting of Section 144 and suggests additional police deployment.
• February 14th – 20th: Series of incidents including injuries to political figures, arrests, and continued legal proceedings highlight the ongoing unrest and administrative actions in Sandeshkhali.

As the situation remains tense, the region has seen continued legal and civil actions, aiming to restore order and address the grievances of the affected residents.

“Old Video” Excuse: BJP Leader Responds to Viral ‘Sandeshkhali Fake Rape’ Claims

Sandeshkhali, a town in West Bengal, is currently a focal point for heated political conflict, as the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) exchange accusations amidst the state’s electoral turmoil. The controversy escalated when the TMC charged the BJP with disseminating false information following the circulation of videos alleging that a local female BJP leader coerced several women into signing blank papers, later used to lodge fake sexual assault complaints against TMC officials.

This charge came shortly after the TMC released a video on social media purporting a “sting operation” in Sandeshkhali where BJP leader Gangadhar Koyal confessed that the rape claims were orchestrated under the direction of opposition state leader Suvendu Adhikari.

The local women had previously accused TMC strongman Shahjahan and his cohorts of rape and sexual harassment, sparking significant protests led by the Bengal BJP, which turned the issue into a prominent national political debate ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.

In response, Rekha Patra, the BJP candidate for Basirhat, criticized the Trinamool for using an outdated video of hers to undermine the Sandeshkhali protests. “It’s disheartening to see the TMC misusing an old video from before my candidacy to discredit the Sandeshkhali movement,” stated Ms. Patra. She also accused the West Bengal Police of pressuring her to minimize the sexual assault incidents she had clearly detailed in her affidavits.

Local police have lodged FIRs against notable BJP individuals including Gangadhar Koyal and Rekha Patra following a TMC worker’s complaint, which alleged a plot to concoct false criminal cases against women, referencing the contentious sting video as proof.

Moreover, additional footage surfaced featuring alleged Sandeshkhali residents who criticized the BJP’s methods, accusing the party of manipulating the filing of fraudulent rape cases. One video depicted Rekha Patra disputing the legitimacy of the “Sandeshkhali victims” who met with President Draupadi Murmu, implicating her own party in the scandal.

The area gained significant attention earlier in February when locals accused Sheikh Shahjahan and his assistants of misconduct. Following extensive evasion, Shahjahan was expelled from the TMC and subsequently detained, after being implicated in a mob assault on Enforcement Directorate officials investigating him. He is currently held in CBI custody.