Tensions have been high in West Bengals Sandeshkali after several women alleged sexual harassment and land grabbing by leaders of the states ruling Trinamool Congress party.Shahjahan Sheikh, a local TMC leader, has gone into hiding as women demand his arrest. Among the party officials accused are Sheikhs close aides Shibaprasad Hazra, known as Shibu Hazra, and Uttam Sardar. The women say the men threatened locals and offered bribes to quell the allegations.In an exclusive interview, one accuser told reporters that Hazra phoned her with lewd comments. She said townspeople worry about retaliation, especially if Hazra and Sardar get bail after their arrests on gang rape charges.Posters calling for Sheikhs arrest now dot the area. Until hes arrested, well be afraid at night, said one woman. Sheikh vanished after a suspected mob of his followers attacked Enforcement Directorate agents in January.The women say the situation has stabilised but their fears will remain until Sheikh is found. Were afraid of what will happen once Uttam or Shibu get bail. They will take revenge, explained one local. For now, the community remains wary of what happens next in the evolving investigation.
