Kolkata—Sandeshkhali, a village in the North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal, has recently emerged into the spotlight for distressing reasons. Situated amidst the sprawling landscapes of the Gangetic delta, which are adorned with the majestic Sundarbans, the world's largest mangrove forests, this region holds a significant place in Bengal's geographical and cultural tapestry.
However, the tranquility of Sandeshkhali has been shattered by allegations of land grabbing and perpetual sexual harassment, as voiced by multiple women from the village. On 17th February, the arrest of Shibu Hazra, a prominent figure associated with the Trinamool Congress (TMC), marked a crucial development in the ongoing saga of land usurpation and sexual abuse in Sandeshkhali.
The arrest took place in the Najat area of Basirhat. With Hazra's arrest, the total number of individuals detained in connection with the Sandeshkhali incident has now reached 18. Uttam Sardar was arrested on 10th February, but local leader Sheikh Shahjahan is still absconding.
The abuse in the village goes back a long way. The origins of the exploitation can be traced back to 2019 when Shajahan Sheikh, along with his supporters such as Uttam Sardar and Shibu Hazra, initiated the establishment of fisheries in the region.
Sheikh, who became a member of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) in 2013, holds the position of 'Matsa Karmadhakshya' for North 24 Parganas, overseeing the district's fishery development. Additionally, he possesses multiple fishery units and brick kilns in the Sunderbans area.
The Mooknayak spoke to Bulbul Singh, State Committee member of the West Bengal Adivasi Adhikar Manch, who revealed the ordeals that the communities have been going through.
“The village is on the banks of the delta, which has salty water,” explained Singh. “Now, if the salty water is pumped into the agricultural lands, they lose their fertility. So, what is happening since many years is that the water is illegally being pumped into the land. Community members who are then not able to use the land for farming are forced to lease it to the local leaders.”
The activist further added, “For the last 3 years, the community members have not received any payment yet. Whoever is asking for money is being threatened.”
In the beginning of this month, local TMC leader Uttam Sardar reportedly put out an open threat against anyone who would be going to the police against them.
As per The Indian Express report, in their pursuit of acquiring land for fisheries, assurances were given to landowners, promising an annual payment of Rs 5,000 per bigha. However, only a select few received the committed amount, and that too solely in the initial year (2020).
Towards the conclusion of 2019, specific leaders from the TMC initiated the process of acquiring agricultural land in the village. They approached multiple villagers, indicating their interest in purchasing certain bighas and guaranteeing an annual payment of Rs 5,000 per bigha. Subsequently, their land underwent transformation into a fishery, but the promised payments were not honoured.
Women from the village were called into the offices of the local leaders late at night. Then, they were persuaded into immoral acts,” added the activist. The police have recently included additional IPC sections, namely 376D (gangrape) and 307 (attempt to murder), in the case after a survivor provided her statement before a magistrate.
Sheikh Shahjahan, along with his associates Shibu Hazra and Uttam Sardar, allegedly assaulted the women who had come forward to speak out against him.
State Director General of Police (DGP) on 17th February , announced that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) comprising 10 members led by two Deputy Inspector General rank female officers has been formed. The committee will interact with the female villagers and will take their concerns into consideration.
ANI quoted the DGP saying, “A 10-member committee of West Bengal Police, led by two DIG rank female officers visited the region to take stock of the situation in Sandeshkhali. They listened to the issues faced by the people.”
Commenting on the distrust regarding the force, the DGP added, “Police are not trying to hide anything, and we have said that necessary action will be taken. If anyone has such sexual harassment allegations, they need to register written complaints and we will investigate.”
The women alleging sexual harassment revealed the incidents in front of the magistrate and not the police.
Meanwhile, West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose assured security to the women. Saturday "Doors of Raj Bhavan are open for victimised women who can come and stay here. We will provide them shelter, food, and security,"
He committed to providing a haven at Raj Bhavan for women who have encountered difficulties. Within this secure environment, they will receive shelter, sustenance, and safeguarding, he assured.
Weighing in on the politicisation of the incident, former member of Rajya Sabha and TMC leader Kunal Ghosh commented, “Shibu Hazra has been arrested in Sandeshkhali. Police, administration and the government are performing their duties. This arrest does not prove that the allegations are correct, but whatever the Opposition is saying is not true.
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