India: Sandeshkhali woman accuses BJP of fabricating rape complaints

A woman from Sandeshkhali in the east Indian state of West Bengal has alleged that individuals associated with the BJP coerced her into signing a blank sheet of paper, which was later filled with a false rape complaint bearing her name. This has added fuel to the already fiery political debate between the ruling Trinamool and the BJP, particularly heightened amid the ongoing election fervour.

Sandeshkhali in North 24 Parganas gained notoriety early this year when residents accused TMC's Sheikh Shahjahan and his associates of harassment. Shahjahan, expelled from Trinamool, was subsequently apprehended by the CBI after being on the run following a mob attack on Enforcement Directorate officials.

This comes as the Trinamool Congress filed a complaint with the Election Commission against several BJP leaders, including Suvendu Adhikari, alleging the dissemination of fabricated claims in the Sandeshkhali controversy.

The woman reportedly disclosed that during the visit of the National Commission for Women to the island, a person named Piyali prompted them to voice their grievances by filing a complaint.

"I told them that we had not received money as part of the 100 days' job scheme. I only wanted that money and had no other complaint. No rape happened. She (Piyali) made us sign on a blank sheet," the woman said. According to her, she later came to know that she is on the list of women who alleged rape by local Trinamool leaders.

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Daughters-in-law of the woman condemned Piyali's actions, branding her as an outsider with affiliations to the BJP. They demanded accountability for the alleged deception. Moreover, she also claimed to be facing threats following their decision to expose Piyali.

"She is an outsider, she has come from somewhere else and talks big. We don't know how she has information about everyone here. Initially, she would just take part in the protests here. We later came to know she is with the BJP. She should be punished for lying to us and trapping us. I'm sure more people were deceived like this," the woman's daughters-in-law said. 

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The Trinamool Congress, previously under scrutiny due to allegations against local party members, seized upon these revelations to accuse the BJP of orchestrating a smear campaign for political mileage.

Trinamool MP Sushmita Dev condemned the BJP's intimidation tactics against the "courageous women of Sandeshkhali".

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In response, the BJP dismissed the allegations as a belated attempt at damage control by the Trinamool.

Party spokesperson Priyanka Tibrewal questioned Trinamool's delayed response and asserted that the truth behind the allegations had already surfaced.

(With inputs from agencies)