Enhanced Security Measures in Sandeshkhali Prior to CM Mamata Banerjee's Arrival
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Kolkata, Dec 30 (NationPress) As Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee prepares for her visit, Sandeshkhali, a cluster of islands in North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal, is under comprehensive security surveillance that began early Monday.
This visit marks the CM's first trip since tensions arose in the area due to protests led by locals, particularly women, against allegations of sexual harassment and illegal land acquisition involving local Trinamool Congress leader Sheikh Shahjahan and his associates.
According to district police reports, a total of 700 police officers, overseen by senior law enforcement officials, have been deployed to secure the area where the Chief Minister will conduct a public event and address attendees.
With the Chief Minister arriving by helicopter, stringent security arrangements have also been established at the nearby helipad. A district police representative confirmed, "A trial landing for the helicopter took place on Sunday."
This event represents the Chief Minister’s first engagement in Sandeshkhali since the protests earlier this year, prompting local Trinamool Congress leaders to implement extensive plans for a magnificent reception.
Numerous cutouts of the Chief Minister have been displayed along the route from the helipad to the event stage. Large crowds of Trinamool Congress supporters have gathered near the venue, brandishing posters of the Chief Minister.
Opposition parties, however, argue that the Chief Minister would not have visited Sandeshkhali if Trinamool Congress candidates had not secured victories in the Basirhat Lok Sabha during the recent general elections and subsequent bypolls at the Haroa Assembly constituency.
Nonetheless, State Fire Services Minister Sujit Basu, who is accompanying the Chief Minister, asserted that the CM is visiting Sandeshkhali to fulfill earlier commitments.
In January of this year, Sandeshkhali gained negative media attention when a group of Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials, supported by Central Armed Forces Personnel (CAPF), attempted a raid at Sheikh Shahjahan's residence regarding a multi-crore ration distribution scandal.
This incident prompted local residents, whose land was reportedly taken by Shahjahan and his associates, especially women, to take to the streets in protest.
Sheikh Shahjahan was apprehended on February 29 after evading capture for nearly two months and is currently being held in judicial custody.
