Indian Secular Front (ISF) MLA Naushad Siddiqui was arrested by police in Kolkata on Tuesday as he prepared to visit Sandeshkhali. Engaging in a heated conversation with the police official, Siddiqui questioned the reason behind his detention, stating, “Why am I being stopped from visiting Sandeshkhali? What is the reason behind my detention? Is there any written order?”
In a strong rebuke to the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC), Congress state chief Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury criticized the TMC for attributing the delay in the arrest of Sheikh Shahjahan, a fugitive in the Sandeshkhali case, to legal processes. Chowdhury asserted that blaming the Calcutta High Court in this matter amounted to “contempt of court.” He remarked, “Women across West Bengal are out on the streets, crying for justice and fighting for the honor of fellow women in Sandeshkhali. Those in the TMC government should hang their heads in shame for failing to protect the women of Sandeshkhali.”
On Monday, the Calcutta High Court Chief Justice ordered the inclusion of Trinamool Congress leader Sheikh Shahjahan in the Sandeshkhali case and issued a notice for his arrest, stating, “There is no reason to not arrest him.”
Amid tensions over the Sandeshkhali incident, West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose stated on Monday that the Governor’s role is to observe when the elected government takes action within the rule of law. If such action is not taken, the governor may intervene. Regarding the decision by the Calcutta High Court Chief Justice on Sheikh Shahjahan, the Governor deemed it momentous and asserted that there is no excuse for not arresting Sheikh Shahjahan, and he will be arrested.
Sandeshkhali has been fraught with tension for weeks as a group of women seeks justice against alleged atrocities committed by TMC leader Sheikh Shahjahan and his associates. Numerous women in Sandeshkhali accused TMC strongman Shajahan Sheikh and his supporters of “land-grab and sexual assault” under coercion. Sheikh Shahjahan remains at large, with both state police and central agencies unable to locate him.