Sandeshkhali in North 24 Parganas of West Bengal has been converted into a police cantonment. Internet service remained halted for the third day on Sunday (February 11). Section 144 is applicable. Former Sandeshkhali MLA and CPI(M) leader have been taken into custody. Shibu Hazra had complained that on Wednesday he was involved in the ruckus and arson that took place on February 7 demanding the arrest of absconding accused in the ration scam case and Trinamool Congress leader Sheikh Shahjahan and his associates. However, the CPI(M) leader says that he was attending a party program that day. Sheikh Shahjahan and his associates are still absconding. There was a huge uproar in Sandeshkhali on Wednesday demanding their arrest, after which prohibitory orders had to be imposed.
144 implemented in Sandeshkhali police station area
Section 144 is applicable in the entire Sandeshkhali police station area including Trimohini market. Eight gram panchayats are also included in this. Shops and markets remained closed on Saturday. Internet services were also halted in the area since morning. Police patrolling continues. The police are miking and appealing to the people not to allow crowding anywhere.
Senior police officer is present in Sandeshkhali since Friday
After the uproar on Friday, many senior police officers reached Sandeshkhali. Police officers from various districts including DGP SCRB Siddhinath Gupta, IG Administration SR Jhanjharia, DIG Barasat Sumit Kumar, SP Basirhat reached Sandeshkhali on Friday night. Since morning, police checkpoint checking was started on the route from Dhamakhali to Sandeshkhali. There was silence in the area. Police remained deployed at various places. Route march was also done.
On January 5, ED team was attacked in Sandeshkhali.
It is noteworthy that in the ration scam, Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials had raided the house of Trinamool Congress leader Sheikh Shahjahan on January 5. During this, ED officials had to face opposition from the local people.
Sheikh Shahjahan is still absconding
Sheikh Shahjahan is absconding since that time. There has been a ruckus in Sandeshkhali since Wednesday demanding the arrest of him and his two associates, Zilla Parishad member and Trinamool zonal president Uttam Sardar and Trinamool leader Shiv Prasad Hazra alias Shibu Hazra. On Thursday and Friday, women demonstrated with brooms, sticks, bamboo and sticks in their hands. There was a demonstration in front of the police station also.
Shibu Hazra’s poultry farm, house and garden set on fire
People set fire to Shibu Hazra’s three poultry farms, his house and garden. There was commotion throughout the day on Friday in Jeliakhali area of Sandeshkhali. Land Security Committee and tribal organization also demonstrated in front of Sandeshkhali police station. The protest ended at 6:30 pm, but the protesters had warned that they would agitate on Saturday also.
Sheikh Shajahan used to harass people in the name of Trinamool
Local people allege that Sheikh Shahjahan has been torturing people in the area for a long time in the name of Trinamool. Sheikh Shahjahan and his associates committed atrocities on people in many ways, from occupying land. Shibu Hazra and Uttam Sardar were his active collaborators in this work. The villagers demand that the lands that Sheikh Shahjahan had captured should be returned to them.
14 arrested so far
Here, on Saturday, a senior police officer said that a total of 14 people have been arrested till Saturday. Eight people were arrested on Friday. Barasat DIG Sumit Kumar said that care is being taken to ensure that there is no unrest in the area. Section 144 continues since Friday night.
Internet connection has been closed
He said that internet connection has also been closed so that unrest does not spread. Strict action will be taken against those who try to disturb the peace. He said that the secondary examination was on Saturday. The police had made elaborate security arrangements. The candidates did not face any problem. All possible help was provided to the candidates in Sandeshkhali.
Police arrested Uttam Sardar after suspension from Trinamool
Accused Uttam Sardar was arrested on Saturday amidst the ongoing uproar in Sandeshkhali of North 24 Parganas. In the morning, Uttam Sardar was suspended from the post of North 24 Parganas District Council member and Zonal President of Trinamool for six years by the party. A few hours after its announcement, Uttam Sardar was arrested by the police from Sandeshkhali police station area. On the other hand, a BJP leader Vikas Singh has been arrested for creating unrest in Sandeshkhali.