West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday launched a scathing assault on the Bharatiya Janata Celebration (BJP) amid the ongoing violence in Sandeshkhali, accusing it of orchestrating tensions within the area.
Alleging the involvement of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and “its friend” BJP, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo additionally criticised sure media retailers for sensationalising the scenario.
Sandeshkhali, a village in North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal, has been witnessing protests over allegations of sexual abuse of ladies by an area TMC strongman, Sheikh Shahjahan, and his aides.
“An incident occurred in Sandeshkhali, and it seemed to be orchestrated. Initially, the Enforcement Directorate visited the area, followed by its friend BJP. Subsequently, certain media outlets amplified the incident, turning a minor issue into a significant controversy,” Mamata Banerjee stated.
Moreover, the Chief Minister emphasised her dedication to justice, stating, “I have never supported injustice”.
Throughout a public assembly, Mamata Banerjee requested folks with grievances to come back ahead and warranted that any unlawfully acquired land could be returned.
“I am sending officers to Sandeshkhali. People who have grievances, please speak up. If anyone’s land has been taken, that will be returned,” she assured.
Mamata Banerjee additionally identified that no girls from the troubled pockets of Sandeshkhali has registered an FIR within the matter.
A number of girls within the area have accused Shajahan Sheikh and his supporters of land-grab and sexually assaulting them underneath coercion.
Shajahan has been evading authorities since a gaggle, reportedly linked to him, assaulted officers from the Enforcement Directorate throughout a raid on his premises on January 5, associated to an investigation right into a ration rip-off.
Earlier within the day, three Bengal ministers visited Sandeshkhali, which has been witnessing protests, to “speak to people about their grievances”. The land division has additionally opened camps to register the complaints of villagers about alleged land grabbing.
In the meantime, leaders of the BJP and Congress have criticised Mamata Banerjee for what they termed as fostering a “lawless situation” and making an attempt to “communalise the issue”.