In a significant development, West Bengal Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari disclosed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi may soon visit the violence-stricken region of Sandeshkhali to meet with women who have come forward with allegations of systemic sexual harassment and rape involving Trinamool Congress (TMC) leaders.
In an exclusive interview with India Today TV, Adhikari revealed that preparations are underway for PM Modi’s potential visit to North 24 Parganas district in West Bengal, specifically to meet the victims of sexual harassment and rape in Sandeshkhali. Although the dates for the visit are yet to be finalised by the Prime Minister’s Office, sources cited by media indicate that the Prime Minister is likely to visit Barasat in North 24 Parganas on March 7.
Meanwhile, following permission granted by the Calcutta High Court, Adhikari is set to visit Sandeshkhali on Tuesday, accompanied by four to five MLAs. His visit comes after he was twice prevented by the West Bengal police from entering the violence-affected village last week.
Earlier in the day, the state BJP unit launched a scathing attack on the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC), alleging that “goons” associated with the party were targeting Hindu women and subjecting them to sexual assault in Sandeshkhali. BJP MP Locket Chatterjee addressed a press conference in Delhi, where she highlighted instances of looting and violence against women who had spoken out against TMC leaders.
This press conference came on the heels of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s remarks on the Sandeshkhali unrest, where she attributed the incident to the BJP and the Enforcement Directorate (ED), accusing them of orchestrating the turmoil.
Tensions in Sandeshkhali escalated a month ago when an ED team was attacked by a mob while attempting to conduct a raid on TMC leader Sheikh Shahjahan. Following the attack, Shahjahan went into hiding, while the ED continued its investigation into an alleged ration scam at his residence in Sandeshkhali.
In Shahjahan’s absence, multiple women from the village came forward to share their harrowing experiences, accusing TMC leaders, including Shahjahan and his associates Uttam Sardar and Shibu Hazra, of perpetrating sexual exploitation, rape, and land grabbing.
As investigations unfold, Shahjahan remains at large, while his close aides Shibu Prasad Hazra and Uttam Sardar have been apprehended by the West Bengal police. The situation remains tense as allegations of police involvement in attacks on victims’ homes emerge.
