West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose on Monday met the protesting women of Sandeshkhali in North 24 Parganas district who alleged sexual harassment and torture by absconding Trinamool Congress leader Shajahan Sheikh and his associates.
Bose, who cut short his Kerala trip, also held a meeting with senior police officers of the troubled pockets of Sandeshkhali to assess the situation and directed them to take strict measures immediately.
The Governor spoke to the “tortured” women who tied ‘rakhis’ on his wrist, assuring them of all the necessary help to get justice.
“What I saw was ghastly, shocking, shattering to my senses. I saw something which I should never have seen; I heard many things which I should never have heard. I cannot believe this could happen in Kabiguru Rabindranath Tagore’s land,” Bose told reporters after meeting the victims.
Several women covering their faces apparently to hide their identities met Bose earlier in the day. “We want peace, security for ourselves. We cannot stand this torture any more,” some women were heard saying.
“Do not be worried. You will surely get justice,” Bose told the local women.
A large number of women in Sandeshkhali held protests over the last few days, alleging that Shajahan and his “gang” captured swathes of land by force, besides sexually harassing them.
Protestors have demanded the arrest of Shajahan Sheikh, who has been absconding since January after an Enforcement Directorate (ED) team that went to raid his house in an alleged ration scam was attacked by a mob.
A Trinamool Congress (TMC) delegation led by senior leader Partha Bhowmick is scheduled to visit Sandeshkhali on February 13 (Tuesday).
Meanwhile, Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee broke her silence on Sandeshkhali violence and said those responsible have been put behind bars.
“Anyone can go to Sandeshkhali. We have no issues with that. We have already sent the state women commission team there. They returned and submitted a report. Those who have instigated violence have been arrested. The situation is being monitored closely and necessary steps are being taken,” Mamata Banerjee during her Howrah visit.
Police have claimed that the situation in Sandeshkhali is calm, and strict measures will be enforced to prevent any disturbances to the prevailing law and order in the area. Prohibitory orders under Section 144 CrPC have been imposed in the area.