West Bengals Sandeshkhali region remains on tenterhooks as protests demanding justice for alleged sexual assault by a Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Shahjahan Sheikh and his supporters continued for over ten days. The situation took a violent turn on Friday, with clashes between protestors and police, and an attack on a local TMC leader.Proetesters thrash TMC leader Protesters stormed the house of TMC leader Ajit Maity, ransacking the property and reportedly assaulting him. Maity, who denies any wrongdoing, claims he was targeted due to his political affiliation and expressed fear for his familys safety.#WATCH | West Bengal: Villagers beat up TMC leader Ajit Maity in Sandeshkhali pic.twitter.com/TOc6qvsind— ANI (@ANI) February 23, 2024Speaking to media persons, Ajit Maity said, I was attacked because I am TMC leader. My bike was vandalized and they also attacked my wife. My daughter has exams but she is scared now that we will get attacked again. They also set fire to one of my storage rooms. They were making false allegations about me. Let there be a probe and if I am guilty, Police can arrest me.TMC leader Ajit Maity says, I was attacked because I am TMC leader. My bike was vandalised and they also attacked my wife. My daughter has exams but she is scared now that we will get attacked again. They also set fire to one of my storage rooms(Aara Ghar). They were making… https://t.co/cDZ9jYsrM3 pic.twitter.com/jyMTLcD3k8— ANI (@ANI) February 23, 2024Adding fuel to the fire, a woman protester alleges that a police vehicle ran over her foot during a confrontation.BJP demands presidents rule in WBThe Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has intensified its criticism of the state government. The BJP demanded Presidents rule in the state and slammed Chief Minister Mamata Banerjees silence on the issue. The party accuses the police of looting the houses of women who have spoken out about their experiences, alleging women in Bengal are unsafe.#WATCH | BJP MP Locket Chatterjee in Kolkata says, I was detained by police without any information. I will go to Sandeshkhali. If Mamata Banerjee being a woman CM has not gone there, then we will have to go there. I am sure the PM will do something for women. pic.twitter.com/UqLmCS6Eg8— ANI (@ANI) February 23, 2024BJP MP Locket Chatterjee attempted to visit Sandeshkhali but was detained by the police. She questioned Banerjees silence and asserted her right to visit the troubled area. The BJP MP claimed, I was detained by police without any information. I will go to Sandeshkhali.#WATCH | West Bengal | BJP MP and State General Secretary Locket Chatterjee and Police officer enter into a verbal altercation.BJP womens delegation was stopped by state Police as they headed towards Sandeshkhali. pic.twitter.com/WL4rDU5Ude— ANI (@ANI) February 23, 2024BJP MP raises question over Mamata Banerjees slienceShe also raised questions on Mamata Banerjees silence over the issue. She said, Why has Mamata Banerjee not spoken in support of the women in Sandeshkhali If Mamata Banerjee being a woman CM has not gone there, then we have to go there being a public servant.ED arrests 18 persons Meanwhile, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted fresh raids in connection with the alleged ration scam involving absconding TMC leader Shahjahan Sheikh, whose alleged actions triggered the protests. Police have arrested 18 individuals for their involvement in the violent protests.With Sheikh still at large and no immediate solution in sight, the situation in Sandeshkhali remains tense.
