Mamata Banerjee Pins Blame On RSS For Tensions In Sandeshkhali, Where TMC Workers Are Accused Of Sexually Assaulting Women

While highlighting her actions on the Sandeshkhali issue, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee tried to blame Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) for the tensions in the North 24 Parganas district.

She said, "I have never supported injustice. I sent the state commission and administration there. 17 people have been arrested so far...Our women's team is present there."

She asserted that a women's police team is visiting complainants at their doorsteps to listen to their grievances and expressed her readiness to address the issues that will be reported.

Diverting the topic she said, "RSS has a base there. Riots took place there seven-eight years back. It is one of the vulnerable riot spots. We handled the situation strongly during Saraswati Puja or else there were other plans..."

This comes amid Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is staging protests across the state over the Sandeshkhali issue, where the TMC workers are accused of sexually assaulting many women.

Yesterday, Bengal BJP chief Sukanta Majumdar sustained injuries when he fell down during a scuffle with policemen at Taki, about 35 kilometres from Sandeshkhali and was taken to a hospital.

Meanwhile, a significant number of women have been protesting on the streets in Sandeshkhali since last week, demanding the arrest of TMC leader Shajahan Sheikh and his followers, the Indian Express reported.

These women shared their complaints with Governor CV Anand Bose when he visited the place on 12 February. Calcutta High Court has taken suo motu cognisance of the allegations and the hearing is scheduled for 20 February.