New tensions in Bengal’s Trinamool MLA Sandeshkhali attacked

Calcutta:

Fresh tension erupted on Sandeskhali island in West Bengal today as BJP supporters allegedly attacked a Trinamool Congress worker during a protest rally. Tatan Gayen, an aide to Trinamool MP Sukumar Mahata, was attacked just a stone’s throw from the local police station. The police were soon on scene and riot police were called.

The BJP protested on the island today with party members accusing the Trinamool Congress government of leveling false charges against it.

The nondescript island in northern 24 Parganas made national headlines after residents accused local Trinamool leaders, led by strongman Sheikh Shahjahan, of land grabbing, extortion and sexual harassment. Shahjahan, who has since been expelled from the Trinamool, is in CBI custody in connection with a mob attack on law enforcement officials.

In a shocking twist early last month, a viral video showed local BJP leader Gangadhar Koyal allegedly saying that no rapes or sexual harassment took place in Sandeshkhali and that women were killed on the instructions of the BJP’s Suvendu Adhikari, the leader of the opposition in Bengal. had been persuaded to file complaints Monday. The BJP and the leader of the video claimed that the clip was doctored.

In another shocking development, a woman alleged that people associated with the BJP made her sign a blank paper and then made a false rape complaint in her name.

The developments triggered a political tussle with the Trinamool accusing the BJP of making up stories to malign its image for political reasons.

BJP workers today protested outside the local police station demanding action against local Trinamool leaders whom they accused of circulating fake videos. BJP candidate from Basirhat, Sandeshkhali resident Rekha Patra was among the protesters.

Speaking to the media, a BJP supporter accused the local administration of filing false cases against BJP supporters. “The Trinamool government is harassing us because the ground is slipping from under their feet.”

Reacting to allegations that the BJP paid women to make allegations of sexual harassment, she said: “Has Mamata Banerjee come here even once and seen someone paying us? The mothers of Sandeshkhali took to the streets for their honor.”

Another protester targeted the woman who accused BJP leaders of filing a false rape complaint on her behalf. “How much money do they have to say it’s all a lie? They should be arrested, otherwise the people will not spare them.”

Trinamool MP Sukumar Mahata, whose aide was attacked, said someone must have instigated the attack. “They had raided the police station. Then they were incited to attack. Is this political decency?” he told local media. Pictures show women surrounding the Trinamool MLA’s advisor.

Local BJP leader Sajal Ghosh said there was no law in Sandeskhali for 12 years. “Till date, Trinamool has beaten up whoever they wanted. Three of our workers were shot, their bodies have not been found. Therefore, today’s incident cannot be termed as unfortunate,” he told the media.