He dismissed allegations levelled by the opposition parties against West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee in the Sandeshkhali violence as “not true”, accusing opposition BJP of spreading false narratives.
“Shibu Hazra (TMC leader) has been arrested in Sandeshkhali. Police, administration and the government are fulfilling their duties. This arrest does not prove that the allegations are correct… But whatever the opposition is saying is not true. So everything will be clear…Police are looking after the allegations in the Sandeshkhali. Whatever the opposition is portraying and campaigning in mass is fake and incorrect…Police are trying to find the truth,” Ghosh said.
The development came a day after the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) submitted a comprehensive report to President Droupadi Murmu, recommending the imposition of President’s rule in West Bengal.
NCSC Chief Arun Halder disclosed that the commission’s report highlighted the alleged harassment of women by Trinamool Congress (TMC) supporters in Sandeshkhali. Simultaneously, the Supreme Court took notice of the escalating violence, agreeing to consider a PIL seeking a court-monitored probe.
Sandeshkhali incident: Police giving protection to criminals, BJP’s delegation alleges Mamata Banerjee led TMC government
BJP accuses CM Mamata Banerjee of ‘suppression’
A six-member delegation from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), led by Union minister Annapurna Devi, was halted by West Bengal Police on their way to Sandeshkhali on Friday. The delegation including Pratima Bhowmik, Sunita Duggal, Kavita Patidar, Sangeeta Yadav, and Brij Lal, approached the destination, but they were stopped by police near Pratap Park on Residency Road.
Shehzad Poonawalla hits out at WB govt over stopping of Sandeshkhali-bound BJP delegation
The BJP leaders raised objections, asserting their right to meet the victims and citing concerns that local police might be involved in the reported atrocities.
The delegation said their intent to meet affected families, especially women and daughters, condemning the police’s interference. BJP MLA Agnimitra Paul alleged that Mamata Banerjee’s government displayed fear and suppression, citing the reluctance to allow Union ministers to visit as indicative of apprehension.
Congress leader Adhir Chowdhury stopped by police
West Bengal Congress chief Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury was also stopped by police on the way to restive Sandeshkhali area, which has been rocked by protests over alleged atrocities on villagers by TMC leaders, citing prohibitory orders.
Chowdhury expressed concern over the restriction imposed on opposition parties, questioning why they were not allowed to visit Sandeshkhali. The Congress rally led by Chowdhury was initially halted by police, citing Section 144 of CrPC, on its way to Sandeshkhali in North 24 Parganas district.
Chowdhury accused the Mamata Banerjee government of trying to politicise the situation and questioned the motives behind preventing opposition parties from entering Sandeshkhali.
Protests continue in Sandeshkhali
Meanwhile, protests continue in Sandeshkhali where women have been protesting against alleged atrocities by “TMC-backed” strongmen like Sheikh Shah Jahan and party leader Shibu Hazra.
‘Mamata Bandyopadhyay known for genocide of Hindus,’ Smriti Irani slams TMC for Sandeshkhali violence
Despite the delegation’s efforts, tensions continue to escalate, with protesters demanding justice and a resolution to the ongoing crisis. The region has witnessed a series of demonstrations and accusations against local leaders, contributing to a heightened state of unrest.
(With ANI input)
