A fresh round of protests and arson rocked Sandeshkhali in West Bengal’s North 24 Parganas district on Friday, where a massive protest against alleged sexual abuse and land grab by a Trinamool Congress leader is underway. The protesters attacked Trinamool Congress leader Ajit Maity’s house and damaged his bike, alleging his involvement in the land grab.

As fresh protests erupted in trouble-torn Sandeshkhali, West Bengal DGP Rajeev Kumar rushed to the spot and pledged stern action against the culprits.

Meanwhile, the state capital, Kolkata, also witnessed a massive showdown as the police stopped BJP leaders from going to Sandeshkhali.

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Arson in Sandeshkhali

On Friday morning, enraged locals set fire to properties belonging to TMC leaders accused of sexual abuse of women and forcible land grabbing in the area. The houses of local TMC leaders were also ransacked by the mob.

Armed with sticks, they set ablaze thatched structures near a fishing yard in Belmajur area of Sandeshkhali, venting their fury against the elusive TMC leader Shahjahan Sheikh and his brother Siraj. The torched structure, it was revealed, belonged to Siraj, PTI reported.

“The police for years did nothing. That is why we are doing everything to get back our land and honour”, a protester said. The police later entered the area and tried to pacify the protesters.

Also Read: Enforcement Directorate files fresh case against TMC’s Sheikh Shahjahan amid Sandeshkhali unrest

BJP’s Locket Chatterjee detained

A BJP delegation, including six women leaders, was halted by the police in Kolkata, leading to a heated argument between the cops and the party workers.

West Bengal BJP MP and State General Secretary Locket Chatterjee was detained by the police following the confrontation.

NHRC team reached Sandeshkhali

Members of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Friday reached Sandeshkhali to ascertain facts by an on-spot enquiry into allegations of violation of human rights. The NHRC has taken suo motu cognisance of print and electronic media reports that in Sandeshkhali, innocent and impoverished women have been allegedly harassed and sexually assaulted.

TMC leader’s house vandalised

Angry locals attacked Trinamool Congress leader Ajit Maity’s house in Bedmujur, Sandeshkhali, on Friday. The protesters damaged his bike and a part of the fence surrounding his house.

The protesters allege that Ajit Maity was involved in the illegal land grab and was in cahoots with Shahjahan Sheikh. Maity alleged that locals backed by the BJP were behind the attack, ANI reported.

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Sandeshkhali unrest

The unrest in Sandeshkhali stems from accusations against TMC leader Shahjahan Sheikh and his supporters of land grabbing and sexual assault, with Shahjahan evading authorities since a mob attack on Enforcement Directorate officials on January 5.

(With inputs from agencies)