Bengal's Sandeshkhali on edge, 8 detained

Eight persons have been detained in connection with the violence in North 24 Parganas district's Sandeshkhali on Friday even as poultry farms owned by Trinamool leader Sheikh Shahjahan's close aide were set on fire and vandalised by villagers.

The area has been tense for the third day on Friday with villagers and local people demanding the arrest of absconding Trinamool leader Shahjahan Sheikh's two close aides. Meanwhile, BJP state president Sukanta Majumdar has written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah seeking appropriate action in restoring peace.

"Strict action will be taken against the offenders. Eight persons have been detained in today's incident. Our senior officers are camping in the area. Action will be taken if people are found guilty in the probe," ADG & and IGP (Law & Order) of West Bengal Police Manoj Verma said.


Violence erupted in Jeliakhali area, close to Sandeshkhali and a huge police force was deployed in the area on Friday morning, led by the Police Superintendent and DIG-Barasat range. Absconding Sheikh's close aide Shibu Hazra's residence and poultry farm were vandalised and set ablaze. A huge police force reached the spot after the incident and brought the situation under control. The locals demanded the arrest of Hazra, people in the know told ET.

"We have detained eight persons in connection with the violence. Strong action will be taken against the offenders who take the law into their hands. This was a remote area and it took time. However, we will not tolerate such incidents," Sumit Kumar, DIG-Barasat Range, said.