Following orders from the Calcutta High Court, West Bengal Opposition leader Suvendhu Adhikari reached Sandeshkhali to meet with villagers. Adhikari reached Sandeshkhali on a boat and he was accompanied by BJP MLA Shankar Ghosh.
Earlier today, Adhikari was stopped by police from visiting Sandeshkhali. The West Bengal government moved an appeal before the division bench of the High Court challenging Monday's order of Justice Kausik Chanda. However, The division bench presided by Chief Justice T.S. Sivagnanam refused to interfere into the single bench order that allowed Adhikari and another BJP MLA Shankar Ghosh to visit Sandeshkhali on Tuesday.
The Calcutta High Court had on Monday granted permission to Suvendhu Adhikari to visit Sandeshkhali and directed him not to give any provocative speech or create any law and order situation in the restive area.
However, CPI(M) leader Brinda Karat was stopped from going to Sandeshkhali citing law and order issues. The CPI(M) leader was stopped at Dhamakhali ferry ghat on her way to Sandeshkhali, PTI reported. Karat was reportedly told by police that her presence in Sandeshkhali could lead to breach of peace there.
A large number of women in the Sandeshkhali in North 24 Parganas district have accused Trinamool Congress strongman Shajahan Sheikh and his supporters of "land-grab and sexually assaulting" them under coercion.
Shajahan has been absconding after a mob, allegedly affiliated with him, attacked Enforcement Directorate officials who had gone to search his premises in connection with a ration scam on January 5.
Meanwhile, West Bengal Governor C.V. Anand Bose has opened a ‘peace home’ in Raj Bhavan for Sandeshkhali victims. Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to Governor, Sandip Rajput told ANI that the governor has issued a helpline number and they have been receiving several calls. “A peace home has been opened in Raj Bhavan in Kolkata to accommodate the victims of Sandeshkhali. The food and water will be made available for free" He added many people have expressed their desire to come and Raj Bhawan is ready to accommodate them. "The Governor has said that we will provide transport. Transport services will also be provided if required. 100-200 can be accommodated," Rajput told ANI.
