A video of a sting operation in Sandeshkhali has caused a stir in West Bengal, leading to claims against Suvendu Adhikari for involvement in orchestrating a conspiracy. The BJP Mahila Morcha President Phalguni Patra criticized the TMC, alleging that the reality of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is being revealed as accusations against Adhikari surface. Patra highlighted a grim situation in Bengal, stating that incidents like those in Sandeshkhali are widespread across the state, with little action being taken by Banerjee.
The TMC's General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee issued a warning to the BJP, demanding an apology to the people of Bengal within 48 hours or face implications of trying to diminish the state's reputation. The controversy surrounds an alleged video where a BJP Mandal president implied that false rape cases were orchestrated in Sandeshkhali, with Adhikari allegedly involved in ensuring TMC strongmen weren't arrested unless he was falsely implicated. However, concerns have been raised about the veracity of the clip and the lack of fact-checking by the news channel that aired the sting operation.
In response to the allegations, Mamata Banerjee's nephew, Abhishek Banerjee, condemned the BJP's tactics to tarnish Bengal's image for political gain. The TMC's official handle also criticized the BJP's alleged attempts to defame the state, with claims that incidents like "mass rape" and "arms seizure" were staged and bought to discredit Bengal. The Sandeshkhali case involves Shahjahan, who is currently in custody for attacking the Enforcement Directorate team and is accused of land-grab and sexual assault by women in the North 24 Parganas district. The women in Sandeshkhali have come forward against the ruling TMC and Shahjahan, accusing him and his associates of gross injustices and land grabbing under coercion.