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Sandeshkhali, West Bengal : In a significant development, TMC leader Ajit Maity, a close associate of absconding party strongman Shahjahan Sheikh, has been arrested in the troubled Sandeshkhali area of North 24 Parganas district. The arrest is in connection with charges of land grabbing from villagers, as confirmed by a police officer on Monday.
Ajit Maity was detained on Sunday evening from the residence of a civic volunteer, where he sought refuge after being chased by irate villagers. The arrest comes after receiving complaints from villagers about alleged land grabbing, and Maity is expected to be produced in court later in the day, according to the police.
Simultaneously, the police have filed a First Information Report (FIR) against Shahjahan Sheikh based on over 70 complaints received. Most complainants have accused Shahjahan of actively participating in the forcible acquisition of their land and the alleged torture of local women.
The arrest follows a recent incident where angry villagers attacked Ajit Maity, expressing displeasure over his purported ties with Shahjahan and his group, which has been accused of land grabbing and sexual assault on local women. The Sandeshkhali area has been embroiled in unrest for over a month, with protests against Shahjahan and his supporters.
The police action coincided with a TMC delegation’s visit to Sandeshkhali for the second consecutive day. The delegation engaged with villagers, listening to their grievances related to alleged atrocities by local leaders of the ruling party. The riverine Sandeshkhali area, located on the borders of the Sunderbans, has become a focal point of tensions, demanding attention to address the concerns of the local populace.
