In a tumultuous turn of events, three poultry farms and a garden house in Jeliakhali area of Sandeshkhali in North 24-Parganas, belonging to Trinamul Congress leader Shibaprasad Hazra alias Shibu was set on fire by a mob today. This caused huge unrest among the local residents.

Trinamul Congress alleged that the attack on TMC leader’s residence is a pre-planned attack by the BJP. Reports suggest that even Shibu’s residence was engulfed in the flames. State chief secretary Bhagwati Prasad Gopalika said the state administration is looking into the matter.

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On Friday, local women took to the streets in protest, demanding justice and the arrest of Sheikh Shahjahan, Shibu and Uttam Sardar. Allegations against Shahjahan and Shibu involve the exploitation of villagers, forcing them into various tasks against their will. The unrest escalated when poultry farms, owned by Shibu, were set on fire today. This witnessed a resurgence of tension in Sandeshkhali.

Shahjahan and Shibu have not yet been arrested. There were conflicting reports about the attackers. Some said the attackers were grassroots TMC supporters, while some said they owed allegiance to BJP.

Villagers asserted that they had been subjected to oppression for an extended period. The dissent is rooted in allegations of forced labour and inadequate wages, leading to physical violence when demands for fair compensation were made. Locals accused Shibu and Shahjahan of land grab. The villagers, particularly women, claimed their husbands were compelled to work under duress, facing physical abuse if they failed to meet unrealistic expectations.

The fire at the poultry farm is believed to be a result of the ongoing conflict over land ownership. The locals demanded the arrest of Shahjahan, Shibu and Uttam and their associates, insisting on a thorough investigation into the alleged atrocities.

In the aftermath of Friday’s events, the police have apprehended five individuals from both sides, with multiple FIRs filed against them. The conflicting FIRs indicate a complex legal battle, reflecting the deep-rooted divide within the community. As Sandeshkhali remains on the edge, the demand for justice and resolution of longstanding grievances echoes through the troubled region.

Trinamul Congress state secretary and party spokesperson Kunal Ghosh stated, “Perhaps there was some anger among certain people, maybe a few moments of resentment. It’s possible for someone to hold a grudge. One person’s trouble could be connected to another individual. On the issue, the Congress, CPM, BJP, and other parties are trying to fuel temporary unrest by instigating people. Provocations have been made. Both Trinamul and the police are vigilant. After two days, this issue will no longer exist.”