In a significant development following the allegations of sexual harassment and rape leveled by women in West Bengal’s Sandeshkhali, a Trinamool Congress block president, Shibu Prasad Hazra, has been apprehended by the authorities. The arrest comes amidst a swirling political controversy surrounding the incident, with both the opposition and ruling party engaging in a heated exchange of accusations.
According to the police, Hazra was taken into custody on Saturday, with sections of rape being added to the initial FIR. This action follows the disappearance of Hazra and another party member after several women in Sandeshkhali came forward with allegations of sexual misconduct and land grabbing against them.
The situation in Sandeshkhali has become a focal point of political contention in the state, with delegations from opposing parties, including the BJP and Congress, being barred from visiting the village. The Trinamool Congress, however, has maintained that Hazra’s arrest does not validate the opposition’s claims of widespread rape in the village, emphasizing that the state police are diligently carrying out their duties.
Addressing the media, West Bengal’s Director General of Police, Rajeev Kumar, stated that while initial police inquiries did not yield any rape complaints from the women, one individual did provide a statement before a magistrate under Section 164 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), prompting the inclusion of rape allegations in the FIR.
Responding to concerns about the imposition of Section 144 of the CrPC in the village, DGP Kumar clarified that it was implemented to uphold law and order in light of attempts to exploit the incident for communal purposes or incite unrest. He assured that the imposition of prohibitory orders would be reviewed, possibly leading to their partial lifting in certain areas.
Hazra, described as an aide to local Trinamool leader Sheikh Shahjahan, joins another party member, Uttam Sardar, in facing accusations of sexual harassment and land grabbing. Shahjahan himself remains elusive following an attack on an Enforcement Directorate team during a raid on his residence in connection with an alleged ration scam.
In response to Hazra’s arrest, Trinamool Congress leader Kunal Ghosh emphasized the importance of discerning truth from falsehood in the allegations, attributing the controversy to disputes over land and payment rather than widespread sexual misconduct.
Meanwhile, DGP Kumar affirmed the commitment of law enforcement to thoroughly investigate the allegations, particularly regarding land disputes, and pledged to take decisive action against any perpetrators found guilty. He cautioned against sensationalism and urged for a measured approach in addressing the situation.
Sources By Agencies
