Agitated mob sets fire to poultry farms amidst protests in Sandeshkhali

• Agitated mob, armed with knives and bamboo, sets fire to three poultry farms owned by Shibu Hazra in Sandeshkhali
• Women-led protests demand the immediate arrest of Shahjahan Sheikh, Shibu Hazra, and Uttam Sardar, alleging atrocities and forced labor
• Police use batons to disperse the crowd; tensions escalate following an earlier attack on ED officials investigating a ration 'corruption' case at Shahjahan's house

In a drastic turn of events in Sandeshkhali, an agitated mob took to the streets on Friday, armed with knives, sticks, and bamboo, setting fire to three poultry farms owned by Shibu Hazra in the Jeliakhali area. This marked the second consecutive day of protests, primarily led by women, who not only created chaos but also demanded the immediate arrest of Shahjahan Sheikh, Shibu Hazra, and Uttam Sardar.

The escalating tension follows earlier incidents, including the burning of another poultry farm owned by Shibu Hazra on Wednesday night. Villagers have accused Shahjahan and Shibu Hazra of committing atrocities, alleging that they coerced the locals into forced labor and seized land for the construction of the burnt poultry farm.

The police intervened to disperse the agitated crowd using batons, emphasizing a precarious situation. This recent unrest has roots in the January 5 incident when the Enforcement Directorate (ED) went to Shahjahan Sheikh's house to investigate a 'corruption' case related to ration distribution.

Subsequently, Shahjahan's followers reportedly attacked ED officials, leading to his current 'missing' status. Despite claims from villagers that Shahjahan is still in the area, the police are providing security, further heightening the tensions in Sandeshkhali.