An investigation by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) into the Sandeshkhali violence in West Bengal has revealed numerous human rights issues over the past few years. These include sexual exploitation, land confiscation, denial of voting rights and a form of forced migration.
On Friday, the NHRC decided to send the inquiry report to the state government and the state police, asking them to submit their reports on action taken on the 12 recommendations within eight weeks.
The NHRC is also planning to approach the Calcutta High Court to participate in the legal proceedings.
The report also said that when residents complained to the police, they were asked to address the accused, including Trinamool Congress (TMC) strongman Sheikh Shahjahan, who was arrested by the police of State on February 29 after having been on the run for 55 days. and seek a compromise.
The people of Sandeshkhali also claimed that they were not allowed to vote and that the supporters of the miscreants had voted on their behalf. Residents of the area recounted several harrowing events, including cases of harassment, physical torture and sexual assault.
According to police station data, three minor girls and 37 adult women were still “untraceable” in the area between January 1, 2023 and February 25, 2024.
-The alleged crimes committed in the island village of Sandeshkhali are among the main electoral issues in Bengal. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah have repeatedly raised these allegations to criticize the TMC, especially on the issue of women’s safety. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said the state government had taken prompt action against the perpetrators and accused the BJP of vendetta politics.
The Calcutta High Court on Wednesday issued a crucial directive, ordering a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the matter. Recognizing the need for all possible assistance, the court emphasizes the importance of the state facilitating the investigative process.
Directing the investigating agency to file a report on illegal conversion of agricultural land for fish farming, the High Court said the investigation would be monitored by the court.
On April 4, the Kolkata HC slammed the West Bengal government led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over allegations of extortion, land grabbing and sexual assault arising out of Sandeshkhali.
The West Bengal government has been accused of trying to protect Shahjahan Sheikh, a powerful local party leader implicated in the Sandeshkhali affair.
Shahjahan Sheikh and his associates faced serious allegations from women in Sandeshkhali in North 24 Parganas for committing serious abuses and atrocities. Several women on the island accused the TMC leader and his associates of engaging in “land grabbing and sexual assault” through coercion.
