West Bengal Governor seeks arrest of Trinamool leaders accused of ‘assaulting women’

Governor calls for arrest of Trinamool Congress leaders accused of violence against women and destruction of property.

West Bengal Governor C.V. Ananda Bose on Wednesday called for the arrest of Trinamool Congress leaders from Sandeshkhali, in West Bengal who are accused of violence against women and destruction of property.

Locals have accused Trinamool leaders of atrocities. The Governor has also suggested a judicial inquiry into the matter as well as providing of ex-gratia to the victims.

“Arrest the gang leaders and his henchmen immediately. Constitute a Special Task Force / SIT to investigate the alleged nexus of criminal elements and to determine the depth and extent of the committed crimes and bring all the culprits before law,” a report by the Governor said.

Mr. Bose visited Sandeshkhali on Monday and met locals who shared several allegations with him. The area has been on the boil after locals particularly women hit the streets alleging atrocities by a Trinamool Congress leader. They also accuse him of setting their property on fire.

“I have taken stock of the matter through direct interaction with the victims and by making extensive field visits to Sandeshkhali island. In my considered opinion, the situation there is highly reprehensible,” the note by the Governor said.

Also read: National Commission for Scheduled Castes seeks action taken report from West Bengal on Sandeshkhali

He also pointed out that there is a “precarious situation where people are confused as to ‘who are the offenders and who are the protectors”. Sandeshkhali, about 100 km from Kolkata falls under Sunderbans and is part of the North 24 Parganas district.