<p>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'.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>"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.</p>

<p>"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.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">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।<br />
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जैसी भाषा ये उनके लिए बोल रहे हैं, इसका जवाब बंगाल की हर बेटी अपने वोट से टीएमसी को तबाह कर…</p>
— BJP (@BJP4India) <a href="https://twitter.com/BJP4India/status/1792105191346524173?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 19, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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".</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&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></p>

<h2><strong>Mamata 'threatening Ramakrishna Mission to please vote bank'</strong></h2>

<p>PM Modi further slammed West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over her remarks targeting the Ramakrishna Mission and Bharat Sevashram Sangha.</p>

<p>He said that the TMC supremo was issuing threats to these socio-religious organisations just to please her vote bank.</p>

<p>"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.</p>

<p>"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.</p>

<p>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."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


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’

<p>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;</p>

<p>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;</p>

<p>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;</p>

<p>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;</p>

<p><strong>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;</strong></p>

<p>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;</p>

<p>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;</p>

<p>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;</p>

<p><strong>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;</strong></p>

<p>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;</p>

<p>"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;</p>

<p>"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;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Electoral bonds scheme case timeline, all you need to know&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>CBI summons close aides of Shahjahan Sheikh</strong></h2>

<p>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;</p>

<p>They also allegedly instigated the crowd to target the team when they went to raid the premises of Sheikh.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


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

<p>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;</p>

<p>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;</p>

<p>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;<br />
<br />
<strong>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;</strong></p>

<p>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;<br />
<br />
The High Court bench led by Chief Justice TS Sivagnanam&nbsp;transferred the case to the central agency.</p>

<p>The HC's order came after both ED and the West Bengal government moved separate appeals challenging a single bench order.&nbsp;</p>

<p>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;</p>

<p>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;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;PM Modi responds to RJD's Lalu Yadav's family jibe says "140 crore people my family"</strong></p>

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<p><strong>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;</strong></p>

<h2><strong>NCW submits report on Sandeshkhali to President</strong></h2>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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;</p>

<p>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;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


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

<p>After weeks on the run, absconding Trinamool Congress leader Sheikh Shahjahan was arrested on Thursday (Feb 29) from the&nbsp;Minakhan area in North 24 Parganas where he was hiding, according to news agency <em>PTI</em>.&nbsp;Shahjahan and his aides have been accused of systemic gang rape and sexual exploitation of women in the Sandeshkhali area of the district.</p>

<p>The TMC strongman&nbsp;was on the run following the attack on Enforcement Directorate officials in Sandeshkhali last month.&nbsp;Additional director general of police (ADG) South Bengal will be holding a press conference later in the day to divulge details about the arrest.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The arrest comes a day after the Calcutta High Court said that the TMC leader can be arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the Enforcement Directorate (ED) or the West Bengal Police. The court clarified there was no stay on Shahjahan's arrest.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Moreover, the arrest comes after&nbsp;West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose on Tuesday (Feb 27) gave a 72-hour ultimatum to Mamata Banerjee government to arrest the strongman. Bose said he would shift base to Sandeshkhali if Shahjahan was not arrested in the stipulated time frame.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I have written to the state government and given a deadline of 72 hours for the arrest of the main culprit. I will shift my base to Sandeshkhali if the arrest is not made," Bose was quoted as saying by <em>NDTV</em>.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/sandeshkhali-violence-west-bengal-governor-directs-to-arrest-sheikh-shahjahan-immediately-694280"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Sandeshkhali violence: West Bengal Governor directs to arrest Sheikh Shahjahan immediately</strong></a></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What has Shahjahan been accused of?</strong></h2>

<p>Sandeshkahli&nbsp;has been on the boil for the past month ever since&nbsp;allegations surfaced against&nbsp;Shahjahan and his men.&nbsp;Despite a multitude of sexual harassment accounts from the victims, the West Bengal police initially refused to take any action against the alleged culprits.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Recently, the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) in its report found that Shahjahan tortured the tribals for voting against the party while his aides forcibly took MNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act) wages from the families.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sandeshkhali-sex-abuse-row-bjp-accuses-mamata-led-tmc-of-shielding-party-strongmen-691905"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Sandeshkhali sex abuse row: BJP's Suvendu Adhikari stopped from visiting troubled town despite court order</strong></a></p>

<p>A three-member panel led by NCST vice-chairperson Ananta Nayak conducted the investigation that led to the startling revelations. Nayak said the&nbsp;West Bengal Police allegedly "protected" Shahjahan and his accomplices from the heat emanating from the Sandeshkhali incident.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The panel had reportedly received more than 50 complaints of sexual harassment of tribal women and land grabs by Shahjahan and his aides.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


After weeks on the run, absconding Trinamool Congress leader Sheikh Shahjahan was arrested on Thursday (Feb 29) from the Minakhan area in North 24 Parganas where he was hiding, according to news agency PTI.

After weeks on the run, absconding Trinamool Congress leader Sheikh Shahjahan was arrested on Thursday (Feb 29) from the Minakhan area in North 24 Parganas where he was hiding, according to news agency PTI. Shahjahan and his aides have been accused of systemic gang rape and sexual exploitation of women in the Sandeshkhali area of the district. The TMC strongman was on the run following the attack on Enforcement Directorate officials in Sandeshkhali last month. Additional director general of police (ADG) South Bengal will be holding a press conference later in the day to divulge details about the arrest. The arrest comes a day after the Calcutta High Court said that the TMC leader can be arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the Enforcement Directorate (ED) or the West Bengal Police. The court clarified there was no stay on Shahjahan's arrest. Moreover, the arrest comes after West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose on Tuesday (Feb 27) gave a 72-hour ultimatum to Mamata Banerjee government to arrest the strongman. Bose said he would shift base to Sandeshkhali if Shahjahan was not arrested in the stipulated time frame. "I have written to the state government and given a deadline of 72 hours for the arrest of the main culprit. I will shift my base to Sandeshkhali if the arrest is not made," Bose was quoted as saying by NDTV. Watch | Sandeshkhali violence: West Bengal Governor directs to arrest Sheikh Shahjahan immediately × What has Shahjahan been accused of? Sandeshkahli has been on the boil for the past month ever since allegations surfaced against Shahjahan and his men. Despite a multitude of sexual harassment accounts from the victims, the West Bengal police initially refused to take any action against the alleged culprits. Recently, the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) in its report found that Shahjahan tortured the tribals for voting against the party while his aides forcibly took MNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act) wages from the families. Also read | Sandeshkhali sex abuse row: BJP's Suvendu Adhikari stopped from visiting troubled town despite court order A three-member panel led by NCST vice-chairperson Ananta Nayak conducted the investigation that led to the startling revelations. Nayak said the West Bengal Police allegedly "protected" Shahjahan and his accomplices from the heat emanating from the Sandeshkhali incident. The panel had reportedly received more than 50 complaints of sexual harassment of tribal women and land grabs by Shahjahan and his aides. (With inputs from agencies)

Sandeshkhali sex abuse row: Absconding TMC strongman Shahjahan Sheikh arrested

<p>The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) has found that Trinamool Congress leader&nbsp;Sheikh Shahjahan tortured the tribals for voting against the party while his aides forcibly took MNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act) wages from the families.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A three-member panel led by NCST vice-chairperson Ananta Nayak conducted the investigation that led to the startling revelations. Nayak said the&nbsp;West Bengal Police allegedly "protected" Shahjahan and his accomplices from the heat emanating from the Sandeshkhali incident.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The NCST team learned that Shahjahan would instruct poor tribal people to give him their MNREGA earnings. And in case they had already exhausted it, he would ask them to borrow money from lenders and give it to him,” said Nayak, adding that he had not seen anything like this across the country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The probe team has returned to Delhi and is in the process of filing the final report which will be sent to the government. The panel had reportedly received more than 50 complaints of sexual harassment of tribal women and land grab by Shahjahan and his aides.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>“If the victim approached the police, they would not file an FIR or a complaint and instead ask the complainants to ‘negotiate’ with Shahjahan. The police backed the accused in this case,” the NCST vice-chairperson added.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/sandeshkhali-sexual-harassment-row-raped-at-gunpoint-multiple-women-allege-years-of-harassment-691927"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Sandeshkhali sexual harassment row | Raped at gunpoint: Multiple women allege years of harassment</strong></a></p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" data-gtm-yt-inspected-20="true" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/sandeshkhali-sexual-harassment-row-raped-at-gunpoint-multiple-women-allege-years-of-harassment-691927/embed" width="560"></iframe></p>

<p>Sandeshkahli, located in the 24 North Parganas district of the state has been on the boil for the past month ever since&nbsp;allegations of 'systemic gang rape' and sexual exploitation of&nbsp;women surfaced.</p>

<p>Despite multitude of sexual harassment accounts from the victims, the West Bengal police has called the sexual exploitation allegations “wilful misinformation”.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In recent days, the BJP has intensified its attacks on TMC as Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee continues to play down the severity of the alleged incidents.&nbsp;</p>

<p>TMC-turned-BJP legislator Suvendu Adhikari recently visited the troubled town to take stock of the situation after receiving approval from the Calcutta High Court.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, the Mamata administration stopped him from entering the town, leading to protest by the BJP, which later transformed into a full-blown controversy.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjps-suvendu-adhikari-dares-west-bengal-police-over-alleged-khalistani-jibe-against-its-officer-692224"><strong>Also read | BJP's Suvendu Adhikari dares West Bengal police over alleged 'Khalistani' jibe against its officer</strong></a></p>

<p>Last week, National Commission for Women (NCW) chairperson Rekha Sharma met a few of the victims who have accused TMC leaders of sexual assault. After the conversations, Sharma said the state of West Bengal should be under the president's rule.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Many women at Sandeshkhali were molested. I heard about two rapes. One rape case was filed today. Nothing will happen in West Bengal unless there is President’s rule,” Sharma told reporters.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The NCW chief's visit and comments triggered Mamata who accused Sharma of parroting BJP's agenda.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) has found that Trinamool Congress leader Sheikh Shahjahan tortured the tribals for voting against the party while his aides forcibly took MNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act) wages from the families.

The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) has found that Trinamool Congress leader Sheikh Shahjahan tortured the tribals for voting against the party while his aides forcibly took MNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act) wages from the families. A three-member panel led by NCST vice-chairperson Ananta Nayak conducted the investigation that led to the startling revelations. Nayak said the West Bengal Police allegedly "protected" Shahjahan and his accomplices from the heat emanating from the Sandeshkhali incident. “The NCST team learned that Shahjahan would instruct poor tribal people to give him their MNREGA earnings. And in case they had already exhausted it, he would ask them to borrow money from lenders and give it to him,” said Nayak, adding that he had not seen anything like this across the country. The probe team has returned to Delhi and is in the process of filing the final report which will be sent to the government. The panel had reportedly received more than 50 complaints of sexual harassment of tribal women and land grab by Shahjahan and his aides. “If the victim approached the police, they would not file an FIR or a complaint and instead ask the complainants to ‘negotiate’ with Shahjahan. The police backed the accused in this case,” the NCST vice-chairperson added. Watch | Sandeshkhali sexual harassment row | Raped at gunpoint: Multiple women allege years of harassment Sandeshkahli, located in the 24 North Parganas district of the state has been on the boil for the past month ever since allegations of 'systemic gang rape' and sexual exploitation of women surfaced. Despite multitude of sexual harassment accounts from the victims, the West Bengal police has called the sexual exploitation allegations “wilful misinformation”. In recent days, the BJP has intensified its attacks on TMC as Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee continues to play down the severity of the alleged incidents. TMC-turned-BJP legislator Suvendu Adhikari recently visited the troubled town to take stock of the situation after receiving approval from the Calcutta High Court. However, the Mamata administration stopped him from entering the town, leading to protest by the BJP, which later transformed into a full-blown controversy. Also read | BJP's Suvendu Adhikari dares West Bengal police over alleged 'Khalistani' jibe against its officer Last week, National Commission for Women (NCW) chairperson Rekha Sharma met a few of the victims who have accused TMC leaders of sexual assault. After the conversations, Sharma said the state of West Bengal should be under the president's rule. “Many women at Sandeshkhali were molested. I heard about two rapes. One rape case was filed today. Nothing will happen in West Bengal unless there is President’s rule,” Sharma told reporters. The NCW chief's visit and comments triggered Mamata who accused Sharma of parroting BJP's agenda. (With inputs from agencies)

Sandeshkhali sex abuse row: TMC leaders tortured tribals, snatched MNREGA wages, reveals NCST probe

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<p>Trinamool Congress (TMC)-turned-Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Suvendu Adhikari has dared the West Bengal police to prove their charge that a 'Khalistani' slur was hurled against one of its&nbsp;Sikh police officers. Adhikari said if the Additional Director General of Police (South Bengal) cannot come up with proof within 24 hours, there will be consequences.&nbsp;</p>

<p>BJP's IT cell chief Amit Malviya took to X (formerly known as Twitter) and posted the challenge, adding that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's "only line of defence"&nbsp;was crumbling and they "should now retreat to their barracks".&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Sandeshkhali?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Sandeshkhali</a> : BJP LoP Suvendu Adhikari dares ADG (South Bengal) to prove his charge that a slur was hurled at a Sikh police officer, within 24hrs or face consequences.<a href="https://twitter.com/WBPolice?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WBPolice</a>, Mamata Banerjee’s only line of defence, is crumbling. They should now retreat to their barracks… <a href="https://t.co/zGckRdgYWL">pic.twitter.com/zGckRdgYWL</a></p>
— Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) <a href="https://twitter.com/amitmalviya/status/1759998699982467350?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 20, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Recently, a video went viral on social media that showed a Sikh IPS officer losing his cool when someone allegedly called him a Khalistani as he stopped BJP MLAs from entering the sensitive areas of Sandeshkhali in Bengal’s North 24 Parganas district.</p>

<p>“You are calling me a Khalistani because I am wearing a turban. Is this your courage? If any policeman wears a turban and does his duty, he becomes Khalistani? Is this your level?” Jaspreet Singh, the Sikh officer, was heard telling a group of BJP legislators including Adhikari.</p>

<p>“I am not saying anything about your religion. Even you cannot say anything about mine. Did anyone say anything about your religion? Then why are you doing it?” Singh added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Tuesday (Feb 20), Adhikari, alongside his aides could be seen sitting on the road in protest against the Mamta administration which stopped him from entering the town.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/sandeshkhali-sexual-harassment-row-raped-at-gunpoint-multiple-women-allege-years-of-harassment-691927"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Sandeshkhali sexual harassment row | Raped at gunpoint: Multiple women allege years of harassment</strong></a></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Adhikari's Sandeshkhali visit</strong></h2>

<p>Notably, Adhikari's visit was confirmed after the Calcutta High Court on Monday (Feb 19) gave him the pass whilst ordering him to not make any "provocative speeches" or indulge in "any unlawful activities".&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I have a court order. Even then, you are stopping me. This is unfortunate. I will wait for an hour. Then I will return to Kolkata and draw the high court's attention to this. The Mamata Banerjee government and its police are not abiding by the Calcutta High Court's order," he said.</p>

<p>In recent days, the BJP has intensified its attacks on TMC after allegations of systemic gang rape&nbsp;and sexual exploitation of women by the ruling party's leaders.</p>

<p>Absconding TMC leader Sheikh Shahjahan is believed to be the leader of the gang that exploited women in the town and kept them quiet by using his muscle power.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sandeshkhali-section-144-imposed-again-despite-calcutta-hc-order-in-trouble-hit-areas-690445" target="_blank"><strong>Also read | India: Sandeshkhali sex abuse row - Section 144 slapped again despite Calcutta HC order in trouble-hit areas</strong></a></p>

<p>Earlier this week, National Commission for Women (NCW) chairperson Rekha Sharma met a few of the victims who have accused TMC leaders of sexual assault. After the conversations, Sharma said the state of West Bengal should be under the president's rule.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>The NCW chief's visit and comments triggered Mamata who accused Sharma of parroting BJP's agenda.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Trinamool Congress (TMC)-turned-Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Suvendu Adhikari has dared the West Bengal police to prove their charge that a 'Khalistani' slur was hurled against one of its Sikh police officers.

Trinamool Congress (TMC)-turned-Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Suvendu Adhikari has dared the West Bengal police to prove their charge that a 'Khalistani' slur was hurled against one of its Sikh police officers. Adhikari said if the Additional Director General of Police (South Bengal) cannot come up with proof within 24 hours, there will be consequences. BJP's IT cell chief Amit Malviya took to X (formerly known as Twitter) and posted the challenge, adding that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's "only line of defence" was crumbling and they "should now retreat to their barracks". #Sandeshkhali : BJP LoP Suvendu Adhikari dares ADG (South Bengal) to prove his charge that a slur was hurled at a Sikh police officer, within 24hrs or face consequences.@WBPolice, Mamata Banerjee’s only line of defence, is crumbling. They should now retreat to their barracks… pic.twitter.com/zGckRdgYWL — Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) February 20, 2024 × Recently, a video went viral on social media that showed a Sikh IPS officer losing his cool when someone allegedly called him a Khalistani as he stopped BJP MLAs from entering the sensitive areas of Sandeshkhali in Bengal’s North 24 Parganas district. “You are calling me a Khalistani because I am wearing a turban. Is this your courage? If any policeman wears a turban and does his duty, he becomes Khalistani? Is this your level?” Jaspreet Singh, the Sikh officer, was heard telling a group of BJP legislators including Adhikari. “I am not saying anything about your religion. Even you cannot say anything about mine. Did anyone say anything about your religion? Then why are you doing it?” Singh added. On Tuesday (Feb 20), Adhikari, alongside his aides could be seen sitting on the road in protest against the Mamta administration which stopped him from entering the town. Watch | Sandeshkhali sexual harassment row | Raped at gunpoint: Multiple women allege years of harassment × Adhikari's Sandeshkhali visit Notably, Adhikari's visit was confirmed after the Calcutta High Court on Monday (Feb 19) gave him the pass whilst ordering him to not make any "provocative speeches" or indulge in "any unlawful activities". "I have a court order. Even then, you are stopping me. This is unfortunate. I will wait for an hour. Then I will return to Kolkata and draw the high court's attention to this. The Mamata Banerjee government and its police are not abiding by the Calcutta High Court's order," he said. In recent days, the BJP has intensified its attacks on TMC after allegations of systemic gang rape and sexual exploitation of women by the ruling party's leaders. Absconding TMC leader Sheikh Shahjahan is believed to be the leader of the gang that exploited women in the town and kept them quiet by using his muscle power. Also read | India: Sandeshkhali sex abuse row - Section 144 slapped again despite Calcutta HC order in trouble-hit areas Earlier this week, National Commission for Women (NCW) chairperson Rekha Sharma met a few of the victims who have accused TMC leaders of sexual assault. After the conversations, Sharma said the state of West Bengal should be under the president's rule. The NCW chief's visit and comments triggered Mamata who accused Sharma of parroting BJP's agenda. (With inputs from agencies)

BJP's Suvendu Adhikari dares West Bengal police over alleged 'Khalistani' jibe against its officer

The Calcutta High Court on Tuesday took exception to the involvement of Shahjahan Sheikh, Pradhan of the Zila Parishad, in the violence that has ensued in the Sandeshkhali area in West Bengal, as well as to the inability of the state police to apprehend him for more than 19 days.

Political tensions in West Bengal: Shahjahan's aides arrested, leader at large | Race To Power