Sandeshkhali Violence: BJP Workers Clash With Police In Bengal's Basirhat; Section 144 Imposed in Several Areas

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 to Visit Sandeshkhali

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.

Section 144 Imposed in 7 Gram Panchayat Areas

According to sources in the administration, it has been learnt that a new order to impose Section 144 has been released. The decision was taken after DIG Intelligence got inputs that certain outside elements might create disturbance in th area. It is also mentioned that DIG Basirhat also has the same input. Therefore, Section, 144 has been imposed in 7 Gram Panchayat area.

HC Takes Suo Motu Cognisance of Allegations of Sexual Assault

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.