Violence Erupts in North 24 Parganas Following Arrest of TMC Worker

Incident Overview

In the North 24 Parganas district, an incident unfolded in the Sandeshkhali area where six police officers sustained injuries after being attacked by a mob following the arrest of a Trinamool Congress (TMC) worker. According to officials, a team from the Nazat police station was dispatched to apprehend TMC member Musa Mollah in Boyermari village. During the arrest, a group of locals assaulted the officers and damaged a police vehicle. Fortunately, after receiving treatment at a local hospital, all six injured officers were discharged.

Details of the Arrest

The arrest of Mollah was made on allegations of illegally occupying water bodies for fish farming in the area. After additional police forces were deployed to disperse the crowd, Mollah was successfully taken to the police station. Additionally, two local TMC leaders, including the village council head, were detained for allegedly inciting the mob. On January 5, 2024, a team from the Enforcement Directorate (ED) faced an attack while conducting a raid at the residence of local TMC leader and district council member Sheikh Shahjahan, who was later arrested by the CBI and is currently in judicial custody.

Political Reactions

BJP leader Sajal Ghosh commented that the attack on state police highlights the 'desperation and shamelessness' of TMC workers under Mamata Banerjee's administration. He questioned whether the state police would have the courage to stand against the ruling party and take appropriate action, given the pattern of attacks on law enforcement from the ED incident two years ago to the recent assault on police. TMC spokesperson Arup Chakraborty condemned the attack on police, asserting that the party does not support such actions and will back any police measures taken.