In the precincts of North 24 Parganas, West Bengal, the arrest of Sukanta Majumdar, the state president of the BJP, was unfolded by the local police on Thursday. The apprehension transpired during his demonstration in Sandeshkhali, marking a breach of prohibitory orders mandated under Section 144, prevailing in the area marred by turmoil.
Hossain Mehedi Rehman, the Superintendent of Police in Basirhat, shed light on Majumdar’s detention, asserting, “Today, Sukanta Majumdar arrived without prior intimation to the police. When intercepted in Dhamakhali, he was courteously inquired about his intention to visit Sandeshkhali and meet specific family members. Although initially halted, he was eventually permitted to meet the family. However, he proceeded to stage a protest outside the police station with his local supporters.”
“This overt contravention of prohibitory orders under Section 144, enforced in the region, led us to request the cessation of the protest. Instead, he engaged in vociferous slogans. Consequently, legal measures were taken, and he was apprehended. Subsequently, he was released on personal bail,” added the Superintendent of Police. Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) of 1973 empowers the Executive Magistrate to issue orders prohibiting the assembly of four or more individuals in a designated area.
Addressing another incident in Sandeshkhali, the officer informed that following numerous complaints about land usurpation, nine individuals had their plots reinstated under the supervision of local police after a meticulous survey. Earlier in the day, the WB BJP chief was arrested during his Sandeshkhali protest and promptly released on a bail bond.
Reflecting on his arrest, Majumdar expressed to ANI, “Police forcefully detained us. I was arrested, compelled to sign a bail bond, and subsequently released. The arrest transpired due to our dharna here. Our advocacy and protests will persist until our workers are permitted to visit Sandeshkhali.”
“During our protest, they alleged a violation of Section 144. My query to them is: where was Section 144 when the local MLA moved freely with his supporters? Biased application of Section 144 cannot endure. We are prepared to approach the court if necessary,” he appended. Majumdar was apprehended by the West Bengal Police as he protested, demanding the arrest of TMC leader Shahjahan Sheikh in the violence-stricken Sandeshkhali of North 24 Parganas district.
Having obtained police permission to visit the strife-torn Sandeshkhali, West Bengal BJP president Sukanta Majumdar staged a protest against TMC leader in front of a police station. Accompanied by a contingent of security personnel, he engaged with the women of Sandeshkhali after police approval.
Earlier in the day, Majumdar attempted to visit incarcerated party workers in the Basirhaat area but was denied entry by jail authorities. Majumdar remarked, “They (jail administration) forbade entry. I will meet them (Party workers) from outside, akin to an ordinary family.”
Asserting their right to meet arrested party workers, Majumdar stated, “We have communicated our desire to meet Vikas Singh and 11 other party workers, asserting their innocence. However, only local MP is allegedly allowed to meet them. I challenged them to cite the specific Act. As an MP, it is my legal right to visit the jail. I will persist until the jailer’s rationale prevails, but it appears those on the opposing end are impeding it. For Mamata Banerjee, her will supersedes the constitution.”
Touching upon the Sandeshkhali incidents, Majumdar emphasized that his visit to Basirhat aimed to reassure BJP workers of the party’s solidarity. He queried the absence of the arrest of TMC leader Sheikh Shahjahan, stating, “I wanted to ask the DGP, why hasn’t Sheikh Shahjahan been arrested yet? The ST Commission must visit, and they have, as the principal victims of Sandeshkhali atrocities are STs.”
Earlier in the week, the West Bengal BJP president declared a 72-hour protest, demanding the arrest of Sheikh Shahjahan amidst the state’s turmoil over the Sandeshkhali violence. Criticizing Mamata Banerjee for accusing the BJP of instigating violence, Majumdar urged her to display more sensitivity towards women in the state. Notably, the Supreme Court stayed the Lok Sabha Privileges Committee proceedings against West Bengal senior officials concerning the Sandeshkhali protest, a development stemming from a complaint by BJP Member of Parliament Sukanta Majumdar. The complaint alleged misconduct, brutality, and life-threatening injuries by police officials and the district administration of Basirhat, North 24 Parganas District of West Bengal. The Sandeshkhali area in West Bengal has been in tumult for over ten days, with women protestors seeking justice against alleged atrocities committed by TMC leader Sheikh Shajahan and his associates.