AIBA cautions about the president’s rule in West Bengal on horrific incidents with women of Sandeshkhali

Rohtak, February 18, 2024: All India Bar Association (AIBA) has written to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee cautioning about demands of a President’s Rule in  the state after it witnessed horrific incidents of sexual assault and violence in Sandeshkhali 

AIBA Chairman and Senior Advocate Dr. Adish Aggarwala has also condemned the incident and the lackadaisical approach of the West Bengal Police and authorities in not nabbing the culprits and a sketchy probe.

"We are pained to hear about the horrifc testimonies of the victims of Sandeshkhali and have demanded swift action in the matter. We have also cautioned the Chief Minister that she shall ensure that the State doesn't turn into "Jungle Raj" else we will have to demand for President's Rule," said Dr. Aggarwala, who is also the President of the Supreme Court Bar Association

The letter written to the Chief Minister of West Bengal by the AIBA condemed the incident.

"The reports of atrocities with the women in West Bengal's Sandeshkhali has left the nation in shock and immense grief. The testimonies of the victims as recorded by statutory bodies like the National Commission for Women have revealed horrors that the women have faced in forms of sexual assault and violence," the letter read.

"We feel immense pain and grief about the women and want that justice is served to them. You, being the Chief Minister of the State shall look into the matter immediately and shall ensure that those involved in these heinous acts shall be put to face the law," the letter added.

Women in Sandeshkhali village, North Parganas area have come forward, alleging that Shajahan Sheikh, a prominent figure in the local TMC, along with his supporters, have engaged in land-grabbing and sexually assaulted them under duress.

Shajahan Sheikh has evaded authorities after a group, purportedly linked to him, reportedly attacked officials from the Enforcement Directorate (ED) during a raid on his premises in connection with a corruption investigation.