Police Team Attacked During Arrest Operation
A team of police officers faced violent resistance in West Bengal's Sandeshkhali area, resulting in injuries to six personnel. The incident occurred on Friday night when a team from the Nazat police station arrived at Boyermari village in the Sandeshkhali block. Their mission was to arrest Trinamool Congress (TMC) activist Musa Mollah.
According to official reports, the situation turned violent as soon as the police placed Mollah in their vehicle. A group of villagers allegedly began pelting stones at the officers, causing injuries and damaging the police vehicle.
Details of the Arrest and Violence
Musa Mollah was arrested on charges of forcibly taking control of local water bodies for pisciculture. The police stated that due to the intensity of the mob attack, they could only transport Mollah to the police station after additional forces arrived at the scene and managed to disperse the crowd.
The injured policemen, which included an officer, received initial treatment at a nearby hospital and were later discharged. In connection with the violence, police detained two additional local TMC leaders, including the gram panchayat pradhan, for allegedly instigating the mob.
Political Reactions and Historical Context
The attack has drawn sharp reactions from political quarters. BJP leader Sajal Ghosh criticized the incident, calling it a reflection of the "desperation and brazenness" of TMC activists under Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's government. He drew parallels to a previous attack on Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials in the same area on January 5, 2024.
That earlier attack targeted an ED team attempting to raid the residence of TMC strongman Sheikh Shahjahan in connection with an alleged ration distribution scam. Shahjahan was subsequently arrested by the CBI and remains in judicial custody.
In response, TMC spokesperson Arup Chakraborty condemned the attack on police. He stated that the party does not support such activities and would support whatever legal action the police undertake.
This latest episode in Sandeshkhali highlights ongoing tensions in the region and raises questions about law and order, with opposition parties quick to point out a perceived pattern of violence shielding ruling party affiliates.
