Internet shut, section 144 imposed in Sandeshkhali

Tensions escalated once again in Sandeshkhali as residents staged violent protests demanding the arrest of Trinamool Congress leader Sheikh Shahjahan and his associates. Responding to the situation, authorities have enforced Section 144 in the area, alongside a shutdown of internet services. The unrest stems from the involvement of Shahjahan and his followers in an attack on ED and CAPF personnel and their supporters on January 5.

Local residents, particularly women, have taken to the streets demanding swift action against Shahjahan and his accomplices who remain at large. The ban on internet services has been extended to eight gram panchayats in the Sundarbans island areas, impacting communication and access to information for the affected communities.

BJP representatives attempting to intervene have been met with opposition from the police, who fear exacerbating the unrest. BJP leader Subhendu Adhikari has appealed to Governor CV Anand Bose to intervene and address the grievances of the villagers, alleging that the local police are shielding Shahjahan and his cohorts.

In response, Trinamool spokesperson Kunal Ghosh has accused the BJP and CPI(M) of instigating unrest in the area, attributing the dissatisfaction to a few isolated incidents. Ghosh assured that the grievances of the people would be addressed and dismissed the situation as a ploy by political opponents to sow discord.