CPM neta held for violence in Sandeshkhali, protests erupt
Times of India | 12 February 2024
KOLKATA/SANDESHKHALI: CPM’s former Sandeshkhali MLA Nirapada Sardar was arrested Sunday in connection with violence and arson, prompting a fresh wave of protests. In response, CPM called a 12-hour bandh Monday in Sandeshkhali to denounce Nirapada’s arrest, which stemmed from an FIR filed by Shibaprasad “Shibu” Hazra, a close associate of fugitive Trinamool Congress strongman Sheikh Shahjahan, who is wanted in connection with a multi-crore ration scam.
Sandeshkhali in North 24 Parganas district has been engulfed in protests since last Wednesday, with demonstrators expressing their discontent over perceived high-handedness of two close associates of Shahjahan. This is the same area where villagers attacked ED officers during a search at Shahjahan’s house on Jan 5.
Protesters alleged that Shahjahan’s aides Uttam Sardar and Shibu Hazra had encroached upon their wetlands without paying due lease fees.
Last week, Hazra lodged a complaint against 117 people for purportedly setting fire to his farmhouse, residences, and liquor shop. Sardar was among the primary accused.
Asserting his innocence, Nirapada said: “I was not even in Sandeshkhali. I had been to Manipur for party work since Feb 4 and was returning to Birbhum via Midnapore.” His wife contended that police did not furnish any warrant prior to his arrest.
Following protests, TMC formed a four-member fact-finding team, which led to the suspension of Uttam, who also serves as a North 24 Parganas zilla parishad member. Later, he was arrested in connection with the violence.
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