On Wednesday, February 21, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) said that it has taken suo motu note of media reports on ongoing human rights violations caused by violence in Sandeshkhali, West Bengal.
Based on media reports that the local political gang in Sandeshkhali has been harassing and sexually abusing poor and defenceless women, and the villagers have been calling for appropriate legal action against the offenders, the human rights watchdog has sent notices to the chief secretary and director general of police (DGP) of West Bengal and requested reports within four weeks.
According to a statement from the NHRC, the violence has caused the ladies to flee their homes because they are afraid of being tortured and sexually abused.
Observing that the recent incidents in Sandeshkhali, as reported in various media indicate prima facie violation of human rights, the Commission said: “It becomes imperative for it to exercise its jurisdiction under Section 12 (a) of the PHR Act, 1993 to preserve, protect and promote human rights, and take suo motu cognizance of the reported incidents of violence.”
Rajeev Kumar, the DGP of West Bengal, arrived in Sandeshkhali on Wednesday afternoon in order to assess the situation.
“Considering the gravity of the matter, the Commission has also considered it deem fit and proper to depute its team to ascertain facts by a spot-enquiry into the incidents of violence of human rights in Sandeshkhali, North 24 Parganas. The team shall be led by a Member of the Commission who shall be assisted by officers of the Commission,” the Commission said.
For more than ten days, women have been demonstrating in the Sandeshkhali area, demanding justice for what they believe to be crimes committed by Sheikh Shahjahan, the head of the Trinamool Congress (TMC), and his associates.
Since a crowd purportedly connected to Shajahan attacked Enforcement Directorate officers on January 5 who had gone to inspect his property in relation to a ration scam, Shajahan has been evading capture.
