Sandeshkhali Unrest: CM accuses BJP, RSS of fomenting trouble: ‘A sinister design at play’

Speaking in the Assembly during a discussion on the state Budget, the chief minister said: “It has come to light how BJP workers have been brought and how violence has been instigated in the area (Sandeshkhali). The primary target was (TMC leader) Sheikh Shahjahan and ED entered the area targeting him. Following this, they ousted everyone from there and fabricated an adivasis (tribals) versus minorities fight.”

“It is not new. The RSS has a base there. Riots took place there seven to eight years back. It is one of the vulnerable riot spots. We handled the situation strongly during Saraswati Puja or else there were other plans,” she said, adding “a sinister design is at play”.

Stating that 17 people have been arrested in Sandeshkhali so far, the chief minister said that no one involved in any wrongdoing would be spared.

“We are looking into the situation. No one involved in any wrongdoing will be spared. I have sent the state women’s commission there… A team of women police personnel is visiting every house to listen to their grievances. Some people may have anger against our government. We will definitely address the issues that will be reported. I need to know the matter to act on it,” the CM said.

On Monday, when West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose visited Sandeshkhali and met the residents of the area, Chief Minister Banerjee for the first time spoke on the issue and said that those responsible for the violence have been arrested and necessary steps have been taken to maintain law and order situation in the area.

The CM’s remark came soon after Governor Bose described the situation in Sandeshkhali as “ghastly, shocking, and shattering to my senses”.

On Sunday, police had arrested three political leaders — suspended TMC leader Uttam Sardar, BJP observer for Basirhat Lok Sabha constituency Vikas Singh, and CPI(M) leader and former MLA Nirapada Sardar – on charges of arson, instigating violence among others.

Shahjahan Sheikh, who is wanted by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with its probe into the alleged irregularities in the public distribution system, has been absconding since January 5 when a team of ED officials was attacked allegedly by a mob of his supporters.