Bengal Governor expresses concern over post-poll violence in Sandeshkhali

West Bengal Governor C V Ananda Bose voiced his concern on Sunday regarding the escalating post-poll violence in Sandeshkhali.

This trouble-torn region witnessed another round of skirmishes less than 24 hours after the elections concluded, with confrontations erupting between local women and police forces.

Governor Bose urged Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to take immediate action to restore peace in Sandeshkhali, located in North 24 Parganas district. In a statement to PTI, Bose confirmed that he had written to the Chief Minister, requesting information on the measures being taken to address the violence.

"I am deeply worried about the situation in Sandeshkhali," Bose stated. "According to the reports I've received, there have been attacks on women in Sandeshkhali shortly after the polls ended yesterday. I have written to the Chief Minister to understand what actions are being taken in response to these incidents."

Governor Bose emphasized the urgency of the situation, warning that continued violence and harassment would prompt him to open the doors of the Raj Bhavan as a safe haven for the victims. "If such attacks persist and the inhabitants continue to be tortured, I will provide them with shelter here at the Raj Bhavan," he declared.

The recent violence in Sandeshkhali saw women from Agarhati village clashing with Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel. The confrontations began when police arrived to detain an individual linked to attacks on officers the previous night. In response, the women blocked roads with felled tree trunks and engaged in physical altercations with the RAF, a senior police officer reported.