Trinamool Leader Shiba Prasad Hajra Arrested in Land Grab, Sexual Harassment Case

Trinamool Congress leader Shiba Prasad Hajra, accused of land grab and sexual harassment in Sandeshkhali, West Bengal, has been remanded to eight days of police custody. Hazra, also a Zilla Parishad member, was arrested under various IPC sections, including sexual harassment, gang rape, and attempt to murder.

html

Barasat, West Bengal: In a significant development, Trinamool Congress leader Shiba Prasad Hajra, a prime accused in the alleged land grab and sexual harassment case in Sandeshkhali, North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal, has been remanded to police custody for eight days by a local court.

Arrest and Charges

Hazra, who also holds the position of Zilla Parishad member in North 24 Parganas, was apprehended on Saturday from a hideout in Sandeshkhali. The police arrested him under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including 354A (sexual harassment), 376D (gang rape), and 307 (attempt to murder). These additional charges were added after a survivor recorded her statement before a magistrate under Section 164 of the Code of Criminal Procedure.

Hazra faces further charges under IPC Sections 354B (trying to disrobe a woman in a public place), 341 (wrongful restraint), 323 (voluntarily causing hurt), 509 (insulting the modesty of a woman), and others.

Court Proceedings and Police Claims

The police presented Hazra before a court in Basirhat and sought 10 days of custody. However, the court granted eight days of police remand. The police asserted that Hazra was arrested while attempting to escape. They also argued that, given his influential position, granting him bail could potentially disrupt law and order in Sandeshkhali.

Political Developments

Hazra previously served as the TMC block president of Sandeshkhali Block II. Following his arrest, the charge was transferred to the local MLA. Of the two other prime accused in the case, Uttam Sardar has been apprehended, while Shajahan Sheikh remains at large.

Protests and Background

The Sandeshkhali area has witnessed widespread protests over allegations of sexual atrocities against women and land grabbing since the beginning of February. The region gained attention after Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials were attacked by a mob during a search operation at Shajahan Sheikh's premises on January 5, in connection with an investigation into an alleged ration distribution scam.

The arrest and remand of Shiba Prasad Hajra mark a significant development in the ongoing investigation into the land grab and sexual harassment case in Sandeshkhali. As the police continue their efforts to apprehend the remaining accused and gather evidence, the case has brought to light serious concerns regarding women's safety and land-related disputes in the region.