In a surprising turn of events on Thursday, Bengal police forcefully detained a Republic TV journalist named Santu Pan who was actively reporting on the Sandeshkhali incident
Santu Pan, a reporter with Republic Bangla, expressed his situation as he was being arrested at the Sandeshkhali ferry terminal for conducting interviews with the mothers of Sandeshkhali.
Who is Santu Pan Republic TV Bangla journalist arrested during reporting on Sandeshkhali in West Bengal in viral video
Republic Bangla journalist Santu Pan is arrested by WB police.
He is taken to Sandeshkali Police Station by WB police. pic.twitter.com/728A2NV76T
— Subham. (@subhsays) February 19, 2024
The video footage exposed police officers, heavily armed, forcefully pushing and manhandling the journalist prior to forcibly ejecting him.
Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari informed the Republic media that, “There’s utter chaos in Sandeshkhali. Women are being prevented from expressing themselves.” Santu Pan, known for his persistent coverage on Sandeshkhali, is also recognized for asking tough questions to TMC strongman Abhishek Banerjee.
In response to the arrest, Arnab Goswami, the Managing Director of Republic TV, announced the company’s intention to file a case in the Kolkata High Court challenging the arrest of Santu Pan.
Sukanta Majumdar, the President of Bengal’s BJP, expressed dismay, stating, “This marks a dark day, truly shameful. Mamata should feel ashamed of such actions. Such brutality arises from a leader who has lost public backing.” Before his arrest, Santu Pan questioned, “I’m just fulfilling my duty. Why obstruct me? Am I being detained?”
Mamata Banerjee attributed blame to the BJP and “a few media channels” for magnifying trivial matters, downplaying the events at Sandeshkhali.
About Sandeshkhali Controversy Background
On 8th February, hundreds of women in Sandeshkhali protested against land grabbing, non-payment of wages, and sexual violence by TMC goon Sheikh Shahjahan and his aides Shiba Prasad Hazra and Uttam Sardar.
The women attacked Shahjahan’s properties, set fire to a poultry farm owned by Hazra, and surrounded the Sandeshkali police station, demanding the immediate arrest of the trio. The agitation lasted for 3 days.
Republic Bangla journalist Santu pan arrested by West Bengal Police in Sandeshkhali.
He was relentlessly covering grievances of atrocities on women of Sandeshkhali for many days#Sandeshkhali #WestBengal #MamataBanerjee #media pic.twitter.com/XpZjoYJpp4
— THE SQUADRON (@THE_SQUADR0N) February 19, 2024
During that time, TMC goons retaliated, and the police acted as mute spectators. In some cases, the police themselves harassed the women. Residents had been subject to sexual violence by the TMC for a long time.
On 10th February, the local police imposed Section 144 in various areas in Sandeshkhali and banned Internet use in 16 panchayats. In an attempt to pacify the villagers, the TMC leadership suspended Uttam Sardar from the party for six years. The suspended TMC leader was arrested in the Sandeshkhali police station area.
The Mamata Banerjee-led TMC government arrested former CPI(M) MLA Nirpada Sardar on 11th February in connection to the case. BJP leader Vikas Singh, Convenor of the Basirhat Lok Sabha constituency, was also arrested in connection to the women’s protest against TMC goons.
On the 17th of February, Friday, Shibu Prasad Hazra, a leader of the TMC, was apprehended by the police for charges related to land grabbing and the sexual exploitation of women in Sandeshkhali. Meanwhile, the main suspect, Sheikh Shahjahan, remains evasive and is currently being pursued by law enforcement authorities.
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