Protests in Sandeshkhali, West Bengal, escalated on Tuesday as villagers ransacked the home of Ajit Maity, a leader of the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) party, and physically assaulted him. The attack on Maity’s residence came after earlier protests in the area, where a fishery guard room was destroyed by angry demonstrators. The incident has contributed to the growing tension and controversy in Sandeshkhali, which began with the assault on Enforcement Directorate officers conducting a search at the house of TMC leader Shahjahan Sheikh.