Kolkata:The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) launched a scathing attack on the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress (TMC) government in West Bengal regarding the Sandeshkhali case, alleging protection of Shahjahan Sheikh, accused of "land grab" and "sexual assault" against women.

According to a BJP spokesperson, the Trinamool Congress government is being accused of prioritizing the protection of Shahjahan Sheikh over the safety of women, hence dubbing it as "Shahjahan Bachao" instead of "Beti Bachao." The spokesperson referred to a recent ruling by the Calcutta High Court, which ordered the case to be transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Sheikh's custody to be handed over to them. The spokesperson criticized the West Bengal police for their inadequate investigation, which has led to a loss of public confidence.

The spokesperson further accused Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and TMC general secretary Abhishek Banerjee of defending Sheikh, citing instances where they purportedly supported him in various forums.

Earlier, the Calcutta High Court had directed the CBI to investigate the Sandeshkhali case, which revolves around the attack on Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials. However, the West Bengal government moved the Supreme Court against this order.

Continuing the attack on the TMC, the BJP spokesperson questioned the state government's approach in challenging the High Court's decision and refusing to hand over Sheikh's custody to the CBI. The spokesperson raised concerns about the events unfolding in Sandeshkhali that have prompted such reactions from the Mamata Banerjee government.

Sandeshkhali has witnessed violent protests in recent days amid allegations of "sexual abuse" against Shahjahan Sheikh, who was arrested after evading authorities for over a month. Numerous women in Sandeshkhali have accused Sheikh and his associates of coercion, leading to "land grab and sexual assault" incidents.

The tension between the BJP and TMC has been escalating over the Sandeshkhali issue, particularly in North 24 Parganas district.

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