Suvendu Adhikari Reaches Sandeshkhali After High Court Intervention

Kolkata: Bengal leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari along with BJP lawmaker Shankar Ghosh, succeeded in visiting Sandeshkhali on Tuesday following a Calcutta High Court directive. The visit came after earlier attempts were thwarted by the police, who had imposed Section 144 to prohibit gatherings.

The intervention of the division bench, led by Chief Justice TV Sivagnanam, paved the way for Adhikari’s visit to the North 24-Parganas island. Accompanied by fellow BJP members, Adhikari reached the island in the afternoon to address allegations of sexual assault and other crimes against Trinamool leaders.

Earlier in the day, despite possessing a court order, Adhikari was stopped at Dhamakhali. Undeterred, he, along with other BJP lawmakers, staged a protest near the Dhamakhali ferry ghat. Adhikari emphasized his lawful right to visit Sandeshkhali as per the court order.

Sandeshkhali has been under the control of Trinamool leader Sheikh Shahjahan, who is accused in a ration scam and has been absconding since January. The absence of Shahjahan prompted local residents to demand his arrest, alleging harassment and sexual assault, particularly against women.

Brinda Karat, a CPM politburo member, also attempted to visit Sandeshkhali but was initially prevented by the police. She highlighted the need for justice for the victims and criticized the government’s handling of the situation.

The situation in Sandeshkhali remains tense, with calls for further investigation into the allegations and demands for accountability from the authorities.