At a time when most of the Indian and world media are focusing on farmers' protest, hundreds of women with broomsticks have been protesting against the Trinamool Congress (TMC) in a West Bengal village named Sandeshkhali. The Sandeshkhali case is indeed horrifying and interestingly neglected as well. For those who haven't followed the Sandeshkhali Case, below is everything you need to know-
On February 8, 2024, women in Sandeshkhali took to the streets with brooms and sticks, demanding the immediate arrest of TMC leader Shahjahan Sheikh and his two aides Shiba Prasad Hazra and Uttam Sardar. Sandeshkhali women accused the TMC leaders of land-grabbing and sexual harassment. They alleged the TMC men called them to resorts, party offices, or school buildings under the garb of late-night meetings. The protesting women further claimed that the women were chosen and taken to the local party office, confined there, and released only after the TMC members were "satisfied."
The women protesting in Sandeshkhali alleged that Shahjahan had "exploited" them for years but they kept silent "out of fear," since he had significant power in the area. However, the women claimed they gathered courage to speak only now since Shahjahan Sheikh has been absconding ever since the Enforcement Directorate raided his home last month.
West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose has submitted a report to the MHA, blaming the law enforcers for working hand in glove with “rowdy elements” in Sandeshkhali where women have been protesting against alleged atrocities by the ruling TMC leader Shajahan Sheikh and his followers.
Addressing the West Bengal Assembly, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee assured, "I have never allowed, will never allow any injustice to anyone." She further added that the TMC government has sent a state women's commission, and formed a police team for Sandeshkhali and till now 17 people have been arrested.
"RSS has a base there. Riots took place there 7-8 years back. It is one of the vulnerable riot spots. We handled the situation strongly during Saraswati Puja or else there were other plans...First, they entered the area and targeted Sheikh Shahjahan through the Enforcement Directorate, and then they started the trouble there by getting people in," added Mamata.
CM Banerjee further said, "I have never supported injustice. I sent the state commission and administration there. 17 people have been arrested so far...Our women's team is present there. A women police team is visiting people at their doorsteps to listen to their grievances."