Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday (May 19) lashed out at Trinamool Congress (TMC) over the Sandeshkhali incident stating that the party questioned the “characters of the sisters of Sandeshkhali” just to save their 'Shahjahan'.

He stated that when the TMC came to power, it claimed to safeguard Maa, Maati, and Manush but failed to do so in due course of time.

"TMC came to power by saying that it would protect Maa, Maati, and Manush. Today, TMC is devouring Maa, Maati, and Manush. The women of Bengal have lost faith in TMC. The sin that has happened in Sandeshkhali has forced the sisters of Bengal to think. The TMC people do not even consider the sisters of SC/ST families as human beings. To save their Shahjahan, the TMC people are blaming the sisters of Sandeshkhali and questioning their character. The kind of language they are using for them, every daughter of Bengal will destroy TMC with her vote," PM Modi said while addressing a public meeting in Purulia.

"TMC gives the slogan 'Maa, Maati, Maanush' yet does nothing to protect them. The incident of Sandeshkhali has shaken the women of Bengal. TMC has dehumanised the women of SC and ST communities to protect Shahjahan Sheikh. Leaders of TMC are pointing fingers at the women who suffered atrocities," he added.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
एससी/एसटी परिवार की बहनों को तो टीएमसी के लोग इंसान ही नहीं समझते। अपने शाहजहां को बचाने के लिए टीएमसी के लोग संदेशखाली की बहनों को ही दोषी ठहरा रहे हैं, उनके चरित्र पर सवाल उठा रहे हैं। 
 
जैसी भाषा ये उनके लिए बोल रहे हैं, इसका जवाब बंगाल की हर बेटी अपने वोट से टीएमसी को तबाह कर…
— BJP (@BJP4India) <a href="https://twitter.com/BJP4India/status/1792105191346524173?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 19, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

Sandeshkhali, a village in North 24 Parganas district, grabbed headlines earlier this year when its residents, mostly women, took to the streets to protest against the ruling TMC and Shahjahan, the main accused in the incident.

Women levelled allegations against Shahjahan and his aides for committing atrocities against them and for also grabbing their lands. They accused Shajahan and his aides of "land-grab and sexual assault".

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-take-pok-back-amit-shah-says-modi-govt-is-not-afraid-of-pakistans-atom-bombs-722905">‘Will take PoK back,’ Amit Shah says Modi govt is not afraid of Pakistan’s atom bomb</a>

<h2>Mamata 'threatening Ramakrishna Mission to please vote bank'</h2>

PM Modi further slammed West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over her remarks targeting the Ramakrishna Mission and Bharat Sevashram Sangha.

He said that the TMC supremo was issuing threats to these socio-religious organisations just to please her vote bank.

"The TMC government, which intimidated and threatened the people of Bengal during elections, has crossed all limits this time. Today, in the country and the world, ISKCON, Ram Krishna Mission, and Bharat Sevashram Sangh are known for service and morality, but today the Chief Minister of Bengal is openly threatening them, warning them from an open platform," PM Modi said while addressing a public meeting in Purulia.

"There are millions of followers associated with these missions all over the world, and their sole aim is to serve the people. The Bengal government has pointed a finger at him and is threatening his name. So much courage! Just to please their vote bank," he added.

PM Modi's remarks came after the West Bengal CM, during a rally in Behrampore said, "There is a maharaj in Behrampore; I have been hearing about him for a long time. Kartik Maharaj. He says he will not allow any TMC agent in the poll booth. I do not consider him a saint because he is directly involved in politics. I used to respect Bharat Sevashram Sangha a lot. It has been on my list of respected organisations for a long time."

(With inputs from agencies)

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday (May 19) lashed out at Trinamool Congress (TMC) over the Sandeshkhali incident stating that the party questioned the “characters of the sisters of Sandeshkhali” just to save their 'Shahjahan'.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday (May 19) lashed out at Trinamool Congress (TMC) over the Sandeshkhali incident stating that the party questioned the “characters of the sisters of Sandeshkhali” just to save their 'Shahjahan'. He stated that when the TMC came to power, it claimed to safeguard Maa, Maati, and Manush but failed to do so in due course of time. "TMC came to power by saying that it would protect Maa, Maati, and Manush. Today, TMC is devouring Maa, Maati, and Manush. The women of Bengal have lost faith in TMC. The sin that has happened in Sandeshkhali has forced the sisters of Bengal to think. The TMC people do not even consider the sisters of SC/ST families as human beings. To save their Shahjahan, the TMC people are blaming the sisters of Sandeshkhali and questioning their character. The kind of language they are using for them, every daughter of Bengal will destroy TMC with her vote," PM Modi said while addressing a public meeting in Purulia. "TMC gives the slogan 'Maa, Maati, Maanush' yet does nothing to protect them. The incident of Sandeshkhali has shaken the women of Bengal. TMC has dehumanised the women of SC and ST communities to protect Shahjahan Sheikh. Leaders of TMC are pointing fingers at the women who suffered atrocities," he added. एससी/एसटी परिवार की बहनों को तो टीएमसी के लोग इंसान ही नहीं समझते। अपने शाहजहां को बचाने के लिए टीएमसी के लोग संदेशखाली की बहनों को ही दोषी ठहरा रहे हैं, उनके चरित्र पर सवाल उठा रहे हैं। जैसी भाषा ये उनके लिए बोल रहे हैं, इसका जवाब बंगाल की हर बेटी अपने वोट से टीएमसी को तबाह कर… — BJP (@BJP4India) May 19, 2024 × Sandeshkhali, a village in North 24 Parganas district, grabbed headlines earlier this year when its residents, mostly women, took to the streets to protest against the ruling TMC and Shahjahan, the main accused in the incident. Women levelled allegations against Shahjahan and his aides for committing atrocities against them and for also grabbing their lands. They accused Shajahan and his aides of "land-grab and sexual assault". Also read: ‘Will take PoK back,’ Amit Shah says Modi govt is not afraid of Pakistan’s atom bomb Mamata 'threatening Ramakrishna Mission to please vote bank' PM Modi further slammed West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over her remarks targeting the Ramakrishna Mission and Bharat Sevashram Sangha. He said that the TMC supremo was issuing threats to these socio-religious organisations just to please her vote bank. "The TMC government, which intimidated and threatened the people of Bengal during elections, has crossed all limits this time. Today, in the country and the world, ISKCON, Ram Krishna Mission, and Bharat Sevashram Sangh are known for service and morality, but today the Chief Minister of Bengal is openly threatening them, warning them from an open platform," PM Modi said while addressing a public meeting in Purulia. "There are millions of followers associated with these missions all over the world, and their sole aim is to serve the people. The Bengal government has pointed a finger at him and is threatening his name. So much courage! Just to please their vote bank," he added. PM Modi's remarks came after the West Bengal CM, during a rally in Behrampore said, "There is a maharaj in Behrampore; I have been hearing about him for a long time. Kartik Maharaj. He says he will not allow any TMC agent in the poll booth. I do not consider him a saint because he is directly involved in politics. I used to respect Bharat Sevashram Sangha a lot. It has been on my list of respected organisations for a long time." (With inputs from agencies)

PM Modi slams TMC, accuses it of ‘questioning character of Sandeshkhali women’

The Enforcement Directorate on Saturday (Mar 30) arrested suspended Trinamool Congress leader Shajahan Sheikh in connection with a PMLA case.

The development came as the probe agency interrogated him at the Basirhat Sub Correctional Home, where he is currently lodged.&nbsp;

He is set to be produced before the ED Special Court.&nbsp;

Shahjahan, who has also been accused of forcefully occupying lands in the Sandeshkhali area, was questioned inside the prison for over four hours after receiving permission from the Basirhat sub-divisional court in North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal.

He was arrested on February 29 by the West Bengal Police over an attack that was carried out by his supporters on a team of ED officials.

The probe agency team members were attacked by the mob while they were on their way to conduct a raid on Shahjahan's house in Sandeshkhali over an alleged ration scam on January 5.

He was arrested after being on the run on for over 55 days following violent protests led by women, alleging sexual atrocities and land grabs.

Shahjahan was suspended by the Trinamool Congress for six years following his arrest.

The case was transferred by the Calcutta High Court to CBI on March 6.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/they-only-know-how-to-cook-congress-mla-gets-embroiled-in-controversy-over-sexist-remark-705887">'They only know how to cook': Congress MLA gets embroiled in controversy over sexist remark</a>

<h2>CBI arrests Shahjahan's brother for involvement in Sandeshkhali ED assault case</h2>

Earlier this month, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had arrested three accused over involvement in the Sandeshkhali ED assault case, including Shahjahan's brother.

The accused were identified as Mafujar Molla, Sirajul Molla and Sheikh Alomgir.

A total of six people have so far been arrested by the CBI in the case and a probe is underway.

<h2>NCW submits report on Sandeshkhali to President</h2>

Rekha Sharma, who is the National Commission for Women chairperson, met President Droupadi Murmu earlier this month and submitted a report on the Sandeshkhali violence, the India-based news agency PTI reported citing sources. The commission recommended the President's Rule in West Bengal over the Sandeshkhali violence.

A fact-finding report was also prepared by the commission which said that it has gathered disturbing testimonies of women alleging widespread fear and systematic abuse by both police officers and members of the ruling Trinamool Congress.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The Enforcement Directorate on Saturday (Mar 30) arrested suspended Trinamool Congress leader Shajahan Sheikh in connection with a PMLA case. The development came as the probe agency interrogated him at the Basirhat Sub Correctional Home, where he is currently lodged.

The Enforcement Directorate on Saturday (Mar 30) arrested suspended Trinamool Congress leader Shajahan Sheikh in connection with a PMLA case. The development came as the probe agency interrogated him at the Basirhat Sub Correctional Home, where he is currently lodged. He is set to be produced before the ED Special Court. Shahjahan, who has also been accused of forcefully occupying lands in the Sandeshkhali area, was questioned inside the prison for over four hours after receiving permission from the Basirhat sub-divisional court in North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal. He was arrested on February 29 by the West Bengal Police over an attack that was carried out by his supporters on a team of ED officials. The probe agency team members were attacked by the mob while they were on their way to conduct a raid on Shahjahan's house in Sandeshkhali over an alleged ration scam on January 5. He was arrested after being on the run on for over 55 days following violent protests led by women, alleging sexual atrocities and land grabs. Shahjahan was suspended by the Trinamool Congress for six years following his arrest. The case was transferred by the Calcutta High Court to CBI on March 6. Also read: 'They only know how to cook': Congress MLA gets embroiled in controversy over sexist remark CBI arrests Shahjahan's brother for involvement in Sandeshkhali ED assault case Earlier this month, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had arrested three accused over involvement in the Sandeshkhali ED assault case, including Shahjahan's brother. The accused were identified as Mafujar Molla, Sirajul Molla and Sheikh Alomgir. A total of six people have so far been arrested by the CBI in the case and a probe is underway. NCW submits report on Sandeshkhali to President Rekha Sharma, who is the National Commission for Women chairperson, met President Droupadi Murmu earlier this month and submitted a report on the Sandeshkhali violence, the India-based news agency PTI reported citing sources. The commission recommended the President's Rule in West Bengal over the Sandeshkhali violence. A fact-finding report was also prepared by the commission which said that it has gathered disturbing testimonies of women alleging widespread fear and systematic abuse by both police officers and members of the ruling Trinamool Congress. (With inputs from agencies)

Enforcement Directorate arrests Trinamool leader Sheikh Shahjahan in PMLA case

The Supreme Court of India on Monday (Mar 11) dismissed the West Bengal government's plea challenging a Calcutta High Court order in a matter relating to the attack on the Enforcement Directorate (ED) team in the Sandeshkhali region in the east Indian state of West Bengal.&nbsp;

The plea for an order to transfer the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for an investigation into the January 5 attack on ED officials in Sandeshkhali village which is in the North 24 Parganas district.&nbsp;

The Calcutta HC had also asked for the custody of the accused Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Shahjahan Sheikh to be granted to the central agency. He was arrested by the West Bengal police on February 29 in connection with the attack.&nbsp;

A bench of Justices BR Gavai and Sandeep Mehta, however, ordered expunging certain remarks and observations made against the state government and the police in the March 5 order of the high court.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tmc-full-of-rapists-real-and-reel-bjp-slams-tmc-for-nominating-veteran-actor-shatrughan-sinha-698849">'TMC full of rapists, real and reel': BJP slams TMC for nominating veteran actor Shatrughan Sinha</a>&nbsp;

The bench noted the submission of Additional Solicitor General SV Raju that he has no objection to the expunction of the remarks if the final order transferring the probe to CBI remains as it is.&nbsp;

The bench posed several questions during the hearing to senior advocate Jaideep Gupta, who is representing the West Bengal police, as to why the suspended Sheikh was not promptly arrested and why was there a delay in the investigation of the case.&nbsp;

The West Bengal government on March 6 had approached the top court seeking urgent listing of its petition challenging the high court order, but failed to elicit prompt relief.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-sc-rejects-sbis-electoral-bond-disclosure-extension-plea-asks-eci-to-publish-details-by-march-15-698888">SC rejects SBI's electoral bond disclosure extension plea, directs it to share info by March 12</a>&nbsp;

The state government, in its plea before the apex court, had dubbed the Calcutta high court order as perverse, illegal, and arbitrary which deserves to be set aside.&nbsp;

"It is most respectfully submitted that the Impugned Order was pronounced by the Division Bench at 3 pm and uploaded on the High Court website by 3.30 pm (approx.), but the directions contained therein required the Petitioner/State Govt. To comply with such directions by 4.30 pm on the self same day i.e. March 5, 2024 which effectively frustrated the Petitioner's right to avail its remedy under Article 136 of the Constitution."&nbsp;

"In fact, the Advocate General appearing for the Petitioner State orally prayed seeking stay on the operation of the Impugned Order for three days to avail such legal remedy but the Division Bench not only rejected such prayer but refused to record the same in the Impugned Order," the state government said.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Electoral bonds scheme case timeline, all you need to know&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/electoral-bonds-electoral-bonds-scheme-case-timeline-all-you-need-to-know-698977/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<h2>CBI summons close aides of Shahjahan Sheikh</h2>

The CBI has summoned nine close aides and associates of suspended TMC leader to appear before the agency on Monday, officials said. The investigating agency suspects that these nine individuals were allegedly part of the attack on ED officials.&nbsp;

They also allegedly instigated the crowd to target the team when they went to raid the premises of Sheikh.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The Supreme Court of India on Monday (Mar 11) dismissed the West Bengal government's plea challenging a Calcutta High Court order in a matter relating to the attack on the Enforcement Directorate (ED) team in the Sandeshkhali region in the east Indian state of West Bengal.

The Supreme Court of India on Monday (Mar 11) dismissed the West Bengal government's plea challenging a Calcutta High Court order in a matter relating to the attack on the Enforcement Directorate (ED) team in the Sandeshkhali region in the east Indian state of West Bengal. The plea for an order to transfer the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for an investigation into the January 5 attack on ED officials in Sandeshkhali village which is in the North 24 Parganas district. The Calcutta HC had also asked for the custody of the accused Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Shahjahan Sheikh to be granted to the central agency. He was arrested by the West Bengal police on February 29 in connection with the attack. A bench of Justices BR Gavai and Sandeep Mehta, however, ordered expunging certain remarks and observations made against the state government and the police in the March 5 order of the high court. Also read: 'TMC full of rapists, real and reel': BJP slams TMC for nominating veteran actor Shatrughan Sinha The bench noted the submission of Additional Solicitor General SV Raju that he has no objection to the expunction of the remarks if the final order transferring the probe to CBI remains as it is. The bench posed several questions during the hearing to senior advocate Jaideep Gupta, who is representing the West Bengal police, as to why the suspended Sheikh was not promptly arrested and why was there a delay in the investigation of the case. The West Bengal government on March 6 had approached the top court seeking urgent listing of its petition challenging the high court order, but failed to elicit prompt relief. Also read: SC rejects SBI's electoral bond disclosure extension plea, directs it to share info by March 12 The state government, in its plea before the apex court, had dubbed the Calcutta high court order as perverse, illegal, and arbitrary which deserves to be set aside. "It is most respectfully submitted that the Impugned Order was pronounced by the Division Bench at 3 pm and uploaded on the High Court website by 3.30 pm (approx.), but the directions contained therein required the Petitioner/State Govt. To comply with such directions by 4.30 pm on the self same day i.e. March 5, 2024 which effectively frustrated the Petitioner's right to avail its remedy under Article 136 of the Constitution." "In fact, the Advocate General appearing for the Petitioner State orally prayed seeking stay on the operation of the Impugned Order for three days to avail such legal remedy but the Division Bench not only rejected such prayer but refused to record the same in the Impugned Order," the state government said. Watch: Electoral bonds scheme case timeline, all you need to know × CBI summons close aides of Shahjahan Sheikh The CBI has summoned nine close aides and associates of suspended TMC leader to appear before the agency on Monday, officials said. The investigating agency suspects that these nine individuals were allegedly part of the attack on ED officials. They also allegedly instigated the crowd to target the team when they went to raid the premises of Sheikh. (With inputs from agencies)

Sandeshkhali violence: Supreme Court rejects West Bengal govt’s plea against HC order for CBI probe

The Calcutta High Court on Tuesday (Mar 5) ordered the transfer of the investigation into an attack on Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials at Sandeshkhali in West Bengal on January 5 from the state police to India's premier probe agency - Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).&nbsp;

The Calcutta HC also asked for the custody of the accused Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Shajahan Sheikh to be handed over to the central agency. He was arrested by the West Bengal police on February 29 in connection with the attack.&nbsp;

In response to the order, the West Bengal government moved the Supreme Court&nbsp;with senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi mentioning the plea before India's top court but&nbsp;its appeal for immediate hearing was turned down. SC asked him to mention it before the registrar general of the top court.&nbsp; 
 
Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sonia-gandhi-to-lalu-yadav-how-bjp-tossed-back-jibes-aimed-at-pm-modi-to-win-elections-696764">From Sonia Gandhi to Lalu Yadav: How BJP tossed back jibes aimed at PM Modi to win elections</a>&nbsp;

A day after the high court ordered the arrest of Sheikh, the TMC leader was arrested. He is also the prime accused in alleged sexual atrocities on women and land grabbing at Sandeshkhali.&nbsp; 
 
The High Court bench led by Chief Justice TS Sivagnanam&nbsp;transferred the case to the central agency.

The HC's order came after both ED and the West Bengal government moved separate appeals challenging a single bench order.&nbsp;

On January 17, it was ordered to form a joint special investigation team (SIT) of the CBI and the state police to probe the mob attack on the ED officials.&nbsp;

West Bengal wanted the investigation to be given to the state police only, but the ED asked the probe to be transferred to the CBI.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;PM Modi responds to RJD's Lalu Yadav's family jibe says "140 crore people my family"

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-pm-modi-responds-to-rjds-lalu-yadavs-family-jibe-says-140-crore-people-my-family-696738/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/up-police-paper-leak-case-who-is-ips-renuka-mishra-sacked-as-chairperson-of-recruitment-board-696725">UP police paper leak case: Who is IPS Renuka Mishra, sacked chairperson of recruitment board?</a>&nbsp;

<h2>NCW submits report on Sandeshkhali to President</h2>

Rekha Sharma, who is the National Commission for Women chairperson, met President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday and submitted a report on the Sandeshkhali violence, the India-based news agency PTI reported citing sources. The commission recommended President's Rule in West Bengal over the Sandeshkhali violence.

To assess the situation on the ground and analyse the actions taken by local authorities against alleged violence and intimidation against women, an NCW team recently visited West Bengal's Sandeshkhali.&nbsp;

A fact-finding report was also prepared by the commission which said that it has gathered disturbing testimonies of women alleging widespread fear and systematic abuse by both police officers and members of the ruling Trinamool Congress.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The Calcutta High Court on Tuesday (Mar 5) ordered the transfer of the investigation into an attack on Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials at Sandeshkhali in West Bengal on January 5 from the state police to India's premier probe agency - Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

The Calcutta High Court on Tuesday (Mar 5) ordered the transfer of the investigation into an attack on Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials at Sandeshkhali in West Bengal on January 5 from the state police to India's premier probe agency - Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The Calcutta HC also asked for the custody of the accused Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Shajahan Sheikh to be handed over to the central agency. He was arrested by the West Bengal police on February 29 in connection with the attack. In response to the order, the West Bengal government moved the Supreme Court with senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi mentioning the plea before India's top court but its appeal for immediate hearing was turned down. SC asked him to mention it before the registrar general of the top court. Also read: From Sonia Gandhi to Lalu Yadav: How BJP tossed back jibes aimed at PM Modi to win elections A day after the high court ordered the arrest of Sheikh, the TMC leader was arrested. He is also the prime accused in alleged sexual atrocities on women and land grabbing at Sandeshkhali. The High Court bench led by Chief Justice TS Sivagnanam transferred the case to the central agency. The HC's order came after both ED and the West Bengal government moved separate appeals challenging a single bench order. On January 17, it was ordered to form a joint special investigation team (SIT) of the CBI and the state police to probe the mob attack on the ED officials. West Bengal wanted the investigation to be given to the state police only, but the ED asked the probe to be transferred to the CBI. Watch: PM Modi responds to RJD's Lalu Yadav's family jibe says "140 crore people my family" × Also read: UP police paper leak case: Who is IPS Renuka Mishra, sacked chairperson of recruitment board? NCW submits report on Sandeshkhali to President Rekha Sharma, who is the National Commission for Women chairperson, met President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday and submitted a report on the Sandeshkhali violence, the India-based news agency PTI reported citing sources. The commission recommended President's Rule in West Bengal over the Sandeshkhali violence. To assess the situation on the ground and analyse the actions taken by local authorities against alleged violence and intimidation against women, an NCW team recently visited West Bengal's Sandeshkhali. A fact-finding report was also prepared by the commission which said that it has gathered disturbing testimonies of women alleging widespread fear and systematic abuse by both police officers and members of the ruling Trinamool Congress. (With inputs from agencies)

Calcutta High Court transfers Sandeshkhali violence probe to CBI, Bengal govt moves top court