As the news of former TMC leader Shahjahan Sheikh being arrested spread across Sandeshkhali in North 24 Parganas district, it was seen as a victory for the island’s many women who had suffered in silence for years. Sheikh and his aides have been accused of land grab and sexually harassing women by calling them to late night meetings at the ruling party’s offices. In February first week, protests against him reached a crescendo as local residents hit the streets, vandalising homes and even gheraoing a police station. In the days that followed, Sandeshkhali became the centre of a political storm as Opposition leaders and fact-finding teams rushed to the region and criticised the Mamata Banerjee-led government over the law and order situation. Back in Sandeshkhali, which falls under the Sunderbans, the wave of celebrations seems to have swept men and women, young and old. In areas like Sandeshkhali island, Bermajur, Jeliakhali and Jhupkhali, women were seen playing with colours, distributing sweets and blowing conch shells in celebration. However, for many women it’s too soon to …