Fresh tension in Sandeshkhali: TMC workers' shops set on fire
What's the story
The Sandeshkhali region of West Bengal witnessed renewed tension on Sunday after several shops were set on fire, according to Times Now. The Trinamool Congress (TMC), led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, has accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of instigating the arson attack. Three shops were completely destroyed in the fire, the report added.
Shop destruction
TMC workers' shops targeted in alleged arson attack
The blaze engulfed two stationary stores and a tea shop in Bhandarkhali Bazar. All the shops were owned by TMC workers, namely Ranjit Mandal, Bappaditya Mandal, and Indrajit Mandal. Local law enforcement officers from the Sandeshkhali police station responded promptly to the incident. The BJP, meanwhile, has refuted the allegations that its workers were behind the attack.
Ongoing investigation
Incident came months after arrest of Sheikh Shahjahan
The incident came months after the area witnessed massive protests in February over allegations of extortion, land grabbing, and sexual assault by TMC leader Sheikh Shahjahan and his supporters. Sheikh, who has now been supended by the party following his arrest, is in the custody of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The TMC came under fire for allegedly protecting Shahjahan, who eluded arrest for about two months until the court ordered police to arrest him.
Human rights concerns
NHRC report raises serious concerns over Sandeshkhali incident
Meanwhile, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has released a report on the Sandeshkhali incident, revealing multiple instances of atrocities that indicate human rights violations. The report alleges that women were gang-raped at a TMC office and that police advised victims to settle with their attackers. The report was compiled after taking suo motu cognizance of these allegations and is based on visits to the village in West Bengal and discussions with the alleged victims.