In a significant development amidst the ongoing unrest in Sandeshkhali, North 24 Parganas district, Trinamool Congress leader Ajit Maity has been arrested by the West Bengal Police on charges of land grabbing from local villagers. Maity, known to be closely associated with absconding TMC figure Shahjahan Sheikh, was apprehended on Sunday evening from the residence of a civic volunteer following a series of complaints.
According to a police official, Maity had sought refuge at the civic volunteer’s residence for over four hours after being pursued by villagers. “We have arrested him after getting complaints from villagers regarding land grabbing. We will produce him in court later in the day,” the officer stated.
The arrest comes in the wake of over 70 complaints lodged against Shahjahan Sheikh, prompting the police to initiate legal proceedings. Many villagers have alleged that Sheikh and his associates forcibly acquired land and subjected local women to various forms of abuse and harassment.
The situation in Sandeshkhali escalated recently when angry villagers reportedly attacked Maity over his alleged ties with Sheikh and his group. The accusations against them include land grabbing and sexual assault on local women.
The police intervention follows a series of protests by villagers against the alleged atrocities committed by leaders of the ruling party. A delegation from the Trinamool Congress visited Sandeshkhali for the second consecutive day on Sunday to address the grievances of the locals and assess the situation on the ground.
Situated on the border of the Sunderbans, approximately 100 kilometers from Kolkata, the riverine area of Sandeshkhali has been engulfed in turmoil for over a month. The protests and unrest stem from the actions of Sheikh, who remains at large, and his supporters, prompting heightened tensions and demands for justice from the affected community.
As the legal proceedings unfold and the situation in Sandeshkhali remains tense, the arrest of Ajit Maity marks a significant development in the ongoing saga of land disputes and allegations of misconduct within the region.
Sources By Agencies