Kolkata/IBNS: Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Ajit Maity was on Monday arrested after several women from West Bengal's Sandeshkhali accused him of land grabbing and extortion amid massive protests against the ruling party in the area, media reports said.

Maity, who was earlier beaten with slippers by local women, eloped and took refuge at a local's house on Sunday.

The TMC removed Maity from the post of party's local unit head following backlash against him. He was detained by police last evening.

Speaking to the media, the arrested leader said, "With folded hands, I am saying if I have grabbed someone's land or taken away money, then give it in writing to the police.

"I will apologise if I have made a mistake. I will take responsibility if I am found guilty."

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 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.