TMC Leader Shibu Prasad Hazra Arrested in Sandeshkhali Case

Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Shibu Prasad Hazra, implicated in the Sandeshkhali rape and sexual assault case, has been apprehended after being on the run. Hazra, serving as the TMC Block President, was among those named in the initial complaints lodged by women from Sandeshkhali, along with Uttam Sardar and the primary accused, Sheikh Shajahan. He was seized from a hideout in Sandeshkhali and is scheduled to be presented before a local court on Sunday, facing charges of rape and other offenses under the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

The arrest of Hazra marks the second significant apprehension in the Sandeshkhali case, following the previous arrest of Uttam Sardar by the West Bengal Police. However, the primary accused, Sheikh Shajahan, remains at large despite ongoing efforts by law enforcement. To date, a total of 18 suspects have been detained in connection with various allegations, including land grabbing, institutional rape, and sexual assault, as voiced by local women.

The case took a grave turn as a survivor provided a statement before a magistrate under Section 164 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, prompting the police to broaden the charges to encompass Sections 376D (gangrape) and 307 (attempt to murder).

Addressing the media, West Bengal Director General of Police Rajeev Kumar revealed the inclusion of rape charges in the FIR, emphasizing the importance of the survivor’s testimony recorded before the magistrate. Despite assertions from multiple women during police interactions, formal complaints were lacking until the survivor’s testimony.

The continued evasion of Sheikh Shahjahan, the primary accused in the Sandeshkhali incident and the violent assault on Enforcement Directorate personnel, has drawn criticism, with opposition parties questioning the efficacy of law enforcement agencies. State Police DG Rajeev Kumar shifted blame onto the Enforcement Directorate, questioning the lack of action against Shahjahan following the assault.

Amid escalating tensions in Sandeshkhali since January, when local women initiated protests demanding the arrest of Sheikh Shahjahan and his associates, the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) conducted a visit and subsequently recommended the imposition of President’s rule in West Bengal, citing rampant lawlessness. The NCSC submitted its report to President Droupadi Murmu, expressing concern over the behavior of police officials towards its delegation.

Furthermore, West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose submitted a report to the Ministry of Home Affairs, attributing responsibility to the state police for colluding with “rowdy elements” in Sandeshkhali. The report underscores the demand for the establishment of a Special Task Force or a Special Investigation Team to probe allegations of sexual harassment involving TMC leaders, as advocated by local residents.

As the Sandeshkhali case unfolds, the pursuit of justice remains paramount, with law enforcement agencies under scrutiny and victims’ voices seeking acknowledgment and redress.