Sandeshkhali is currently a burning issue in West Bengal. Due to the close proximity of the island area and the border of Bangladesh, it has become a hotbed of several criminal underworlds. Recently, Sandeshkhali has become hot due to the incident of women torture. The women came out in front of the media and said that night after night the women of the village were raped and taken away from their homes. All those who made this complaint are daughters of Hindu families. It has also been said that Shajahan Sheikh, the Trinamool leader of that region, took them to the party office and along with his accomplices, raped the women
After the incident came to light, the people protested against the State administration which appears to be shaken. But instead of arresting the perpetrators, Police have arrested Uttam Sardar, Nirapado Sarkar and a BJP leader who stood solidarity with the affected people. Governor CV Anand Bose has already visited the spot and directly spoke to the women of the village. The women narrated their ordeal to the Governor also.
Shahjahan and his associates are being accused of Land grabbing also. His men have forcibly taken over land of innocent people and refused to pay. if any land owner asks for money in return, they are threatened. The villagers are also deprived of drinking water. Being a island area, the amount of salt water is high. So there were special lines for fresh water. Shahjahan has cut the piped water supply, thus people are left with no option but to buy water from the very same man. Also his men are fleecing people who want to use the ferry. They charge 3 times the cost fixed by the Govt.
This village is close to Bangladesh and illegal infiltration is rampant. People from the neighbouring country illegally set foot on the soil of Bharat via this Sandeshkali. Shahjahan and his men provide hospitality and also arrange for their safe hide-out. These crimes have been happening for a very long time. Villagers say, local police is of no help and they are already aware of what is happening. Now the villagers have decided to fight back and launched massive protest demanding action against perpetrators.
In January this year, Enforcement Directorate went to Shahjahan’s house for a search in a different case. But the ED officials were beaten by his men. 4 ED officials were severly injured. Shahjahan went into hiding after this. When Central agency officials themselves have no safety, it is not tough to understand the fear common people of Sandeshkali live in
