Tensions flared in Sandeshkhali, West Bengal, as clashes broke out between police personnel and BJP supporters on Tuesday.
The unrest ensued as attempts were made to defy prohibitory orders imposed near the SP's office in Basirhat ahead of the saffron party's protest over allegations of sexual harassment in the Sandeshkhali block.
The prohibitory orders, enforced under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) from 6 am to 6 pm, aimed to maintain law and order in the area, according to officials.
A substantial police contingent, outfitted with riot gear, was deployed outside the SP's office to prevent any untoward incidents.
Sandeshkhali falls under the jurisdiction of the Basirhat police district. The state BJP, led by its president Sukanta Majumdar, had announced plans to gherao the SP office to protest against the situation in Sandeshkhali.
However, clashes erupted as the BJP workers attempted to breach the police barricades while marching towards the SP office.
Despite initial attempts by the police to pacify the BJP supporters, the situation escalated, prompting law enforcement to resort to baton charging to disperse the crowd.
Sukanta Majumdar condemned the state of affairs, alleging lawlessness in Bengal and accusing the state government of concealing the truth.
Earlier in the day, Majumdar had announced that a party delegation would travel to Basirhat by train due to road barricades set up by the police in the area. Meanwhile, the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) accused the BJP of attempting to disrupt the state's peace.
TMC spokesperson Kunal Ghosh criticized the BJP's actions, asserting that the police were working diligently to maintain order, but the BJP was determined to cause disturbances.
The unrest in Sandeshkhali stemmed from ongoing agitation by women over alleged atrocities committed by TMC leader Shajahan Sheikh and his associates. Protesters accused Sheikh and his "gang" of forcibly capturing land and sexually harassing women in the area.
Sheikh has been evading authorities since last month after an Enforcement Directorate (ED) team was attacked by a mob during a raid at his residence in connection with a ration scam.
Amidst mounting public anger against the TMC, a delegation led by Irrigation Minister Partha Bhowmick visited Sandeshkhali to engage with the locals.
However, police restrictions prevented a delegation from the state Congress from visiting the area, citing prohibitory orders imposed on February 9.
Similarly, senior BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari and several party MLAs were barred from visiting Sandeshkhali on Monday.
The unrest prompted the intervention of State Governor CV Ananda Bose, who visited Sandeshkhali and held discussions with the agitating women on Monday.
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