Despite court approval, BJP’s Suvendu Adhikari stopped from going to Sandeshkhali in Bengal

Kolkata:

West Bengal is set to witness yet another political clash over the Sandeshkhali issue after BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari and CPM’s Brinda Karat were stopped from visiting the island this morning. Sandeshkhali island in North 24 Parganas district has come into the limelight following allegations of sexual violence by BJP’s Trinamool leaders and multiple accounts of harassment and extortion from women.

Mr Adhikari, who is the leader of the opposition in the Bengal Assembly, was stopped at the barricade before he could board a ferry to take him and his supporters to the island. This is his third attempt to leave Sandeshkhali after the political storm arising from the allegations against Trinamool leaders.

Incidentally, the Calcutta High Court yesterday allowed Mr Adhikari to go to Sandeshkhali. It asked the BJP leader to file an affidavit that he and his supporters will not indulge in any activity that may worsen the law and order situation. But this morning, police and riot control force personnel were seen setting up barricades to stop the BJP leader and his supporters from storming in. Additionally, local authorities imposed curfew in Sandeshkhali, prohibiting public gatherings on the island.

Ms Karat was also stopped in Dhamakhali before leaving for the island.

Mr Adhikari has said he will move court against the Bengal government stopping him despite a court order approving his visit to Sandeshkhali.

The island is at the center of a major political controversy after the BJP alleged that associates of local Trinamool leader Sheikh Shahjahan sexually harassed women. NDTV’s ground report revealed allegations of land grabbing and extortion as local residents accused Shahjahan’s associates of extorting money they received under central and state government welfare schemes.

Mr Shahjahan has been absconding for a month after a mob attacked an Enforcement Directorate team conducting raids against him in a corruption case. His two associates Uttam Sardar and Shibu Hazra have been arrested.