Sandesh Khali incident ‘highly reprehensible’, police colluded with mobs: Bengal Guv

West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose submitted a report to the home ministry, accusing law enforcement officials of colluding with “rough elements” in Sandeshkhali, where women have been protesting against the atrocities committed by ruling TMC leader Shajahan Sheikh and his leaders. According to Raj Bhavan sources, followers.

Bose, who visited the riot area on Monday and spoke to the agitators, said in his report that locals want a task force or special investigation team to be formed to investigate their allegations.

“I have assessed this matter through direct interaction with the victims and extensive field visits to Sandesh Kali Island. In my considered opinion, the conditions there are highly reprehensible,” Bose told the Commonwealth said the report from the Interior Ministry. Sources said besides the torture and sexual harassment of women while the men were away, other allegations heard by the governor included grabbing land for shrimp farming and forcing villagers to withdraw complaints made by victims to the police.

“From interactions with victims, it is clear that local authorities have failed to instill confidence in harassed and affected villagers. There is confusion about who is the perpetrator and who is the protector. This unstable situation is very important for a democratic society. It’s not a good sign.” According to sources, the report named some of Shah Jahan Sheikh’s followers who had been allegedly torturing the people of Sandesh Kali.

“The horrific, shocking and devastating attack on the modesty, dignity and honor of a large number of women by a small group of people exhibiting symptoms of antisocial personality disorder does not bring honor to anyone in a democratic regime,” That report. Sandeshkhali hit the headlines on January 5 when Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials were attacked by a mob while raiding the residence of TMC leader Shajahan Sheikh. Sheikh has been absconding since then.

The governor also stated in the report that the police did not register a complaint against the miscreants but directed the locals to compromise with them while “Gonda elements disguised themselves as policemen invaded the houses of the victims at night”. He said the villagers and affected parties believed that the authorities must take certain actions without fear or favor.

Recommended actions include the immediate arrest of the gang leader and his followers, ex-gratia assistance to the victims and the transfer of all erring police officers. “Rogue elements in the society are extorting citizens’ lives and indulging in evil activities that affect the honor and dignity of women. Victims generally believe that the criminals are colluding with law enforcement agencies, which violates all norms of civilized society,” the report said. Later in the evening, the governor said: “This report is written to the people of Bengal. Based on the responses I receive, I will formulate instructions to the government and formally present my views to them.” When asked if he would “I will visit him tomorrow and of course any victims of this violence,” Bose said while visiting Bharatiya Janata Party chief Sukanta Majumdar. Majumdar during a protest at Taki in North 24 Parganas district While delivering a speech at the event, he was “pushed” onto the hood of a car by an unidentified woman and was injured.

The BJP MP climbed on the bonnet of an SUV with a police sticker on its windshield after police stopped him from heading to restless Sandesh Khali on Wednesday afternoon.

(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from associated news agency – PTI)