In Bengal assembly, Mamata Banerjee seeks to link RSS to Sandeshkhali unrest

“The RSS has a shelter in Sandeshkhali. Riot broke out in the same area around seven to eight years ago. Among the places prone to riots in West Bengal, Sandeshkhali is one,” Banerjee told the West Bengal assembly on Thursday in her first detailed statement on the protests over the last week following allegations of assault, harassment and even sexual abuse against local Trinamool Congress (TMC) leaders.

“I have never supported injustice. I sent the state commission and administration there. 17 people have been arrested so far...Our women’s team is present there. A women police team is visiting people at their doorsteps to listen to their grievances,” she said.

Sandeshkhali first hit the headlines on January 5 when an Enforcement Directorate (ED) team was attacked by a mob when it went to raid the home of TMC leader Sheikh Shahjahan in connection with the multi crore public distribution scam. Even as Shahjahan has evaded arrest, since February 7, villagers led by women in Sandeshkhali have held violent protests, demanding the arrests of local TMC leaders, alleging harassment and land grabbing.