Sandeshkhali row: Supreme Court stays Lok Sabha panel summons to West Bengal officials
New Delhi/IBNS: The Supreme Court on Monday put a hold on the Lok Sabha panel's summons to West Bengal top officials on a complaint filed by parliamentarian and state Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Sukanta Majumdar, media reports said.
The Lok Sabha panel had moved a breach of privilege proceedings against West Bengal Chief Secretary BP Gopalika, Director General of Police Rajeev Kumar on the complaint filed by Majumdar who has alleged "misconduct" and "life-threatening injuries" during his protest over the Sandeshkhali incident.
Majumdar was protesting after several women from West Bengal's Sandeshkhali alleged that they were sexually abused by local Trinamool Congress leaders.
Reacting to the verdict, former Trinamool Congress Mahua Moitra MP posted on X, "SC stays summons of LS Privilege Committee calling WB Chief Secy & DGP. Parliamentary Committees running rogue with BJP party office issuing instructions. Weaponising Committees needs to stop now. Hope this slap is the first of many."
SC stays summons of LS Privilege Committee calling WB Chief Secy & DGP.
— Mahua Moitra (@MahuaMoitra) February 19, 2024
Parliamentary Committees running rogue with BJP party office issuing instructions.
Weaponising Committees needs to stop now. Hope this slap is the first of many. https://t.co/LaHVIoAGN0
The turmoil in Sandeshkhali, which is located in 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.
