In a recent development in the Sandeshkhali controversy, a woman has come forward with serious allegations, claiming that individuals associated with the BJP coerced her into signing a blank sheet of paper, which was later used to fabricate a false rape complaint against her. This revelation has escalated the ongoing political feud between the ruling Trinamool Congress and the BJP, with the latter leveraging the Sandeshkhali issue for political advantage during the election period.
According to statements made to the media by a resident of Sandeshkhali, on the day the National Commission for Women visited the area, a woman named Piyali urged locals to voice their grievances. The resident clarified that her sole complaint was regarding non-receipt of wages under the 100 days’ job scheme, refuting any claims of rape. She alleged that Piyali tricked them into signing a blank document, which was later misused to implicate her in the false rape case involving local Trinamool leaders.
The woman’s daughters-in-law criticized Piyali, labeling her as an outsider who fabricated stories to defame Sandeshkhali. They accused her of affiliating with the BJP and demanded accountability for spreading falsehoods and entrapping innocent people. Furthermore, the family revealed receiving threats after exposing Piyali’s deceitful tactics.
Seizing on this opportunity, the Trinamool Congress, previously embroiled in allegations against its local leaders, highlighted these new allegations to shift the narrative and accused the BJP of orchestrating a smear campaign against them.
Trinamool MP Sushmita Dev condemned the BJP’s alleged intimidation of the brave women from Sandeshkhali who spoke out against them. In response, the BJP dismissed these accusations as a belated attempt at damage control by the Trinamool, emphasizing that the truth cannot be concealed indefinitely.
The Trinamool Congress has lodged a formal complaint with the Election Commission, targeting several BJP figures, including Suvendu Adhikari, for fabricating accusations in the Sandeshkhali incident.
Sandeshkhali, previously unknown, gained prominence when locals accused Sheikh Shahjahan and his associates of misconduct. Shahjahan’s subsequent arrest and the emergence of a video implicating a local BJP leader have further deepened the complexities of this contentious issue.