Sandeshkhali Case: Calcutta High Court rebukes West Bengal’s TMC Govt over violence, calls it “extremely shameful”

The Calcutta High Court, during its hearing on April 4, regarding the incidents of violence in Bengal’s Sandeshkhali, issued strong remarks against the ruling Trinamool Congress government in the state. During the proceedings, the court criticised the government’s handling of the situation, asserting that the entire responsibility for ensuring the safety of citizens falls squarely on the ruling party.

Describing the events in Sandeshkhali as “extremely shameful,”  the High Court emphasised the moral responsibility of both the district administration and the Trinamool Congress-led government for the violence that occurred. The court unequivocally stated that if the safety of any citizen is under threat, the ruling party bears 100 per cent responsibility, emphasising the government’s obligation to uphold law and order.

The scathing remarks from the High Court come in the wake of petitions filed regarding the violence in Sandeshkhali, highlighting the gravity of the situation and the need for accountability. The court’s stance underscores the significance of government accountability and its duty to protect the safety and security of all citizens.

Earlier in January this year, the women of Sandeshkhali in North 24 Parganas district came out on the streets, accusing Sheikh Shahjahan and his aides of grave excesses and atrocities. Multiple women accused Shajahan and his aides of “land-grab and sexual assault” under coercion.

After weeks of no action, on February 29, Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Sheikh Shahjahan was arrested by West Bengal police, after which West Bengal’s Basirhat Court remanded him to 10-day police custody.

Following Shahjahan’s arrest, the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) claimed that he had been “put under the hospitality” of the state police in a bid to avoid arrest by the ED and the CBI.

Tension rose in Sandeshkhali after hundreds of women on the island came out on the streets against Shahjahan Sheikh, accusing him of perpetrating sexual abuse and other excesses on them along with his henchmen.