Fresh protests in Sandeshkhali; tribal panel records statements

Fresh protests erupted in Sandeshkhali in North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal on Friday as dozens of women hit the streets and set ablaze a thatched structure linked to Trinamool Congress (TMC) strongman Sheikh Shahjahan, seeking his and his aides' arrest over allegations of sexual assault and land grabbing, even as state police chief Rajeev Kumar pledged action against the perpetrators.

Armed with lathis and bamboo sticks, local residents, particularly women, staged protests and vented their anger by setting ablaze a thatched structure near a pond, purportedly belonging to Shahjahan's brother Sirajuddin, who is also a local TMC leader.

"Sirajuddin and his brother Shahjahan have usurped our land. They subjected us to molestation. We demand justice and the return of our land," a protester said, seeking anonymity.

Sandeshkhali has been on the boil since early this month following allegations of sexual abuse of women and land grabbing by TMC leaders. Since February 7, the area has been witnessing protests by local women, demanding action against Shahjahan, who is a Zilla Parishad member, and his aides.