The Calcutta High Court criticized the West Bengal government for its handling of the Sandeshkhali unrest. The bench emphasized that one person should not be allowed to disrupt the entire population and that the state should not be supporting Shahjahan Sheikh, a Trinamool Congress leader accused of sexual assault and land grab by multiple women.
The court stated, “He cannot be encouraged by the state. There is evidence to show he has caused harm… If one person can manipulate the situation, the government should not back him.”
During the hearing of BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari’s plea to visit Sandeshkhali, the court also mentioned that it would request Shahjahan Sheikh to surrender.
Earlier, Adhikari was prevented by the police from going to Sandeshkhali in North 24 Parganas district, where prohibitory orders are in place due to the unrest.
The court allowed Adhikari to visit Sandeshkhali, rejecting the state government’s appeal against the High Court’s permission. The government had challenged the single bench’s decision to permit the Leader of the Opposition to visit the area.
“We will ask him to surrender, and see how he responds. The main culprit is still at large,” the court stated.
In recent weeks, several women in Sandeshkhali have accused Shahjahan and his supporters of land-grabbing and sexual assault under coercion.
Shahjahan went into hiding after his alleged associates attacked Enforcement Directorate officials during a raid related to a ration scam on January 5.
The court remarked on the state police’s failure to apprehend Shahjahan despite multiple charges against him and his involvement in the attack on ED officials. It emphasized the need for the state to address the situation.
The court highlighted the grievances of the women in the area and the land grabbing issues, stating that Shahjahan cannot evade the law and the state should not support him.
“We do not know if he is being protected, but he remains elusive. The state police must take action or seek help from other jurisdictions. Let the truth be revealed,” the bench observed.
