News Brief
Sandeshkhali Violence: BJP Workers Clash With Police In West Bengal's Basirhat
BJP workers during the protest in West Bengal. Source: X
Tensions continue to grapple West Bengal, as clashes broke out between BJP workers and police on Tuesday (13 February), escalating the political storm sparked by the recent incident in Sandeshkhali.
Led by the state chief Sukanta Majumdar, BJP workers clashed with law enforcement agencies after being obstructed from staging a protest.
"First, the police launched a lathicharge, it then pelted stones and later tear gas shells were used on our workers. Then, our workers were arrested," Majumdar said.
Majumdar's visit to Basirhat was marked by anticipation of police barricades, prompting him to travel via local train.
Upon arrival, the situation quickly turned violent outside the office of the local Superintendent of Police, where clashes ensued between protesters and law enforcement agencies.
In response, senior police officer Sumit Kumar defended the actions of police.
Several arrests were reportedly made in connection with the clashes.
The Sandeshkhali incident stems from the allegations where several women had been protesting for the last few days over the alleged atrocities against them by TMC leader Shajahan Sheikh and his aides.
The women had claimed that Sheikh and his "gang" captured swathes of land by force, and sexually harassed them in the area.
Meanwhile, the Trinamool has condemned the BJP's involvement in the violence, accusing the party of instigating unrest.
Trinamool spokesperson Kunal Ghosh assured that the situation in Sandeshkhali is now under control, with the party dispatching a team to assess the area.
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