100 villagers return to Sandesh Khali after TMCs defeat

The downfall of the Trinamool Congress has brought relief to nearly 200 Muslim families in a village in West Bengal who had fled their homes after allegedly being threatened by TMC goon goons led by Shaikh Jahangir.

These families belong to the Sarbariya Agrahaati Gram Panchayat in the Sandesh Khali area of the Basirhat subdivision in North 24 Parganas district.

After spending a decade away from their homes, they are now attempting to rebuild their lives and overcome the painful memories of the past. With the collapse of Trinamool strongholds in the state, the families returned to their village with the support of BJP workers.

For years, much of the Sandesh Khali Assembly constituency was reportedly under the influence of Trinamool leader Sheikh Shah Jahan. Locals allege that Shah Jahan and his associates had established complete control over the area, leaving law enforcement agencies ineffective. Residents claim that from land grabbing to atrocities against women, people were forced to live in an atmosphere of fear and intimidation.

In Sandeshkhali, Hindu families can finally walk without fear. The reign of terror led by Shahjahan Sheikh is being challenged by the courage of ordinary citizens. pic.twitter.com/0CYxqPdK00
— Lucifer ଲୁସିଫର୍ (@krishnakamal077) May 5, 2026

The area had allegedly become hostile to opposition political parties and their supporters. Most of those who returned to their homes on Wednesday were from minority communities. They said they had lived in exile for nearly 10 years after being driven out because of political differences.

One of the returnees, Sirajul Islam Sheikh, broke down in tears upon returning to his village. Standing in the courtyard of his home after a decade, he recalled the trauma his family endured. He said they were first threatened for supporting the BJP and later robbed several times by Shah Jahan’s alleged associates. “We stayed away from this area for 10 years. Even today, when I remember those days, my heart trembles while standing on my own land,” he said.

Villagers trying to rebuild their lives after returning home

similar sentiment was echoed by elderly resident Ansar Ali Sheikh, who lamented that fear of Shah Jahan had forced his sons to stay away from home for years. Another resident, Sheikh Atta-ur-Rehman, remained apprehensive even after returning and appealed directly to the administration for protection.

According to him, the families could return only because BJP workers encouraged them to do so. However, he warned that lasting peace would not be possible unless the administration ensured their security.

Locals greet those returning home after a decade

With the fall of the Trinamool Congress, villagers say a new sense of hope has emerged in Sandesh Khali. Women welcomed the displaced families by blowing conch shells and distributing sweets. Yet beneath the celebrations lies an undercurrent of fear. Villagers claim that supporters of Shah Jahan are still active in the area, leaving many residents uncertain about their safety.

The return of these displaced families marks an emotional homecoming, but the bigger challenge now lies in whether the administration can ensure their protection and establish lasting peace in the region.