Fresh clashes between the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Sandeshkhali, West Bengal, have reignited tensions and led to accusations of abuse of power by the TMC leaders. The confrontation reportedly began when TMC leader Dilip Malik, accompanied by a group, allegedly verbally abused and physically assaulted women, prompting a retaliatory response from BJP supporters at Sandeshkhali.
TMC worker Dilip Malik beaten by women in Sandeskhali for threatening them to make fake videos against BJP.
— Rishi Bagree (@rishibagree) May 12, 2024
BJP Lok Sabha candidate from Basirhat, Rekha Patra, condemned the TMC’s actions, stating that the altercation ensued after TMC’s Dilip Malik and his team targeted and intimidated women, leading to a confrontation between the two parties. Patra called for an end to the abuse of power and the release of illegally detained BJP workers.
#WATCH | BJP Lok Sabha Candidate from Basirhat Rekha Patra says, " TMC goons went to the residence of the daughter of 'Andolankaari maa', Sagori Das. TMC goons picked her up and then also threatened her… Then they went to Jeliakhali and attacked the residence of our three… https://t.co/316zuuxmbP pic.twitter.com/FuV5Xack3Q
— ANI (@ANI) May 12, 2024
In response to the clashes, West Bengal’s Rapid Action Force, along with Civic Police and local TMC workers, allegedly raided the homes of several BJP workers at 3 am, vandalising property and instilling fear among residents. Amit Malviya, BJP’s National IT cell chief, took to social media to denounce the TMC’s actions, alleging a pattern of coercion and intimidation.
Furthermore, the BJP has accused the TMC of resorting to deceitful tactics, including coercion and abduction. According to BJP sources, TMC leader Dilip Mallick, along with others, allegedly abducted a woman from Sandeshkhali and coerced her into making fake videos implicating BJP leaders. BJP claims to have preempted the TMC’s agenda by alerting the people of Sandeshkhali and exposing the TMC’s deceptive practices
Shocking and appalling!
After women of #Sandeshkhali protested against TMC’s local henchman Dilip Mallick for intimidation, West Bengal’s Rapid Action Force, along with Civic Police and local TMC workers, stormed into the homes of several BJP karyakartas at 3am, wrecked havoc,… pic.twitter.com/GlGvRVNCbc
— Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) May 13, 2024
BJP also alleges that the police administration of Bengal, under the influence of a family member of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, is complicit in these acts of coercion and kidnapping. The party claims to possess audio recordings supporting its claims and has called upon the Bengal media to verify the truth.
This is what falling flat on face means.
Yesterday, TMC Leader Dilip Mallick and Pikai, along with members of one corporate agency, kidnapped a woman of #Sandeshkhali in a Scorpio, tried bribing her with Rs 1,500 under the instruction of a "Yuva TMC Leader" and coerced her into… https://t.co/Lp52moDW3A pic.twitter.com/PxOKMqPCWH
— Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) May 12, 2024
The incident in Sandeshkhali is not isolated, as the region has been marred by allegations of TMC-led atrocities and land-grabbing for months. In February, villagers, predominantly women, protested against TMC and Sheikh Shahjahan, accusing them of land-grabbing and sexual assault under coercion.
The incidents in the border areas of the 24 Parganas district have been witnessing escalating social tensions, fueled by lawlessness, illegal infiltrations, and attempts to disturb population balance – posing a significant threat to the nation’s security. Despite strong condemnations from institutions like the Supreme Court, National Commission for Women, National Human Rights Commission, and National Scheduled Caste Commission, the State government has not only failed to take corrective measures but has also displayed a lackadaisical attitude.
The region has been witnessing increased social tension in recent years, with the atmosphere tainted by lawlessness, active participation of anti-social elements, illegal infiltrations, and attempts to disrupt the demographic balance. The failure of the state administration to protect women and deliver social justice is a matter of serious concern.
Despite the use of strong language by the High Court and various national commissions, the state government’s failure to take adequate action against the criminals and its attempts to communalise the entire issue reflect a derogatory mindset. The administration’s inability to safeguard women and ensure social justice is evident.
The gruesome incidents of rape and brutalisation of innocent women by offenders like Shahjahan Sheikh have been compounded by the state government’s inexplicable support for such criminals.
