“Sandeshkhali unrest: TMC leader Shibu Prasad Hazra arrested, rape charges added to FIR after a woman records statement before magistrate”, Opindia, February 18, 2024:
“Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Shibu Prasad Hazra, who was “missing” after women of Sandeshkhali alleged systemic rape and sexual assault, was arrested on Saturday (17th February). Hazra is the TMC Block President and was named in the initial complaints by the Sandeshkhali women along with two others Uttam Sardar and the main accused Sheikh Shajahan. Hazra was arrested from a hideout in Sandeshkhali and will be produced before a local court on Sunday. He has been booked for rape and other charges under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
Police said that Hazra and another TMC member have been accused of rape and sexual abuse by women in Sandeshkhali.
This is the second major arrest in the case as earlier the West Bengal Police had arrested Uttam Sardar. However, the main accused Sheikh Shajahan remains absconding. So far, the police have arrested a total of 18 accused in connection with the Sandeshkhali land grabbing, institutional rape, and sexual assault case among other allegations by local women….”
Read the full article at Opindia.com
