Kolkata: A clash erupted between police and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers in riot-hit Sandeshkhali on Tuesday amidst escalating tensions during a protest against alleged sexual harassment of women by leader Shajahan Sheikh and his associates.
Tensions escalated as BJP supporters, marching towards the Superintendent of Police office, reportedly breached barricades, leading to significant unrest in the area. Police responded by resorting to lathi charge to disperse the crowd. Sources indicate that several women BJP supporters sustained injuries during the clashes, prompting police to employ tear gas after protesters began pelting stones at them. In response to the volatile situation, Prohibitory orders were imposed in Basirhat, West Bengal, in anticipation of a proposed agitation programme by the BJP. Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) was enforced in the vicinity of the SP office in Basirhat from 6 am to 6 pm to uphold law and order. Substantial police presence was deployed to prevent any untoward incidents.
For several days, women in Sandeshkhali have been protesting alleged atrocities committed against them by TMC leader Shajahan Sheikh and his associates. Accusations include forceful land capture and sexual harassment by Sheikh and his "gang." Similar clashes occurred in Murshidabad, Bengal, where confrontations ensued between Left front activists and police, resulting in lathi charges and tear gas usage. Sources reported that police resorted to force after activists began throwing stones. A rally organized by the Left Front Farmers' Forum in Murshidabad's Baharampur area faced police obstruction, leading to a confrontation as Left activists broke through police barricades.
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