Kolkata/IBNS: Lone Indian Secular Front (ISF) MLA Naushad Siddique, who was on the way to West Bengal's Sandeshkhali where allegations of land grabbing and sexual abuse have been raised by the local women, was on Tuesday arrested as a preventive measure in Kolkata.

Naushad was stopped by police at Science City along EM Bypass.

But police clarified the ISF MLA was arrested as a preventive measure citing Section 144.

Sandeshkhali incident

The turmoil in Sandeshkhali, a remote block about 80 kms from Kolkata and a part of the Basirhat sub-division of North 24 Parganas district, broke out first in early January when a team of Enforcement Directorate (ED) reached TMC leader Sheikh Shahjahan's residence to quiz him in connection with the ration distribution scam in the state.

Shahjahan's aides allegedly assaulted and chased the ED officers turning the area into a political hotspot months ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.

While Shahjahan is now absconding, several women from the village came out with brooms and sticks demanding the arrest of the TMC strongman.

The protesting women have alleged Shahjahan and his aides captured several lands forcefully and sexually harassed them.

Reacting to the allegations, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said in the state assembly on Thursday, "By targeting Shahjahan, ED entered into the area and then created a rift between the Adivasis and minorities."

"If there is any genuine complaint, the government will take action. But first, I have to learn what has happened," she added.

After the Calcutta High Court on Monday said police can arrest Shahjahan, the ruling TMC said it hopes the prime accused will be taken into police custody within seven days.