Sandeshkhali violence:Â The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has despatched a notice to the West Bengal government and the state’s police chief over reviews alleging unabated human rights violations due to continued violence in restive Sandeshkhali, officers stated right now (February 21). Considering the gravity of the matter, the Commission has additionally determined to depute its team to confirm information by an on-spot inquiry into the incidents of violence of human rights in Sandeshkhali in North 24 Parganas district, they stated.
The team can be led by a member of the NHRC who shall be assisted by officers of the rights panel, the assertion stated. The NHRC has taken “suo motu cognisance of print and electronic media reports that in Sandeshkhali, North 24th Paraganas, West Bengal, innocent and impoverished women have been harassed and sexually assaulted by a group of local gang of a political person, as a result of which, for last few days, local villagers have started protesting for appropriate legal action against the perpetrators of horrific crimes indulged by various goons and anti-social elements, when the local administration failed to take appropriate legal action against the perpetrators of crime,” it stated.
The rights panel stated it has additionally been reported that security and safety of the womenfolk in addition to youngsters and aged individuals have been allegedly jeopardised. It has resulted in ladies allegedly leaving locations of abode due to torture and sexual abuse which can be looming giant upon them, in accordance to the assertion.
The Commission has noticed that the current incidents in Sandeshkhali, as have been reported in numerous print and digital media, “indicate prima facie violation of human rights, shocking the conscience”.
“Therefore, 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 cognisance of the reported incidents of violence,” it stated.
Accordingly, it has issued notices to the chief secretary and the director common of police of West Bengal, in search of reviews in 4 weeks with regard to the violence and the motion taken or proposed to be taken towards the perpetrators, the assertion stated. It additionally requested if any compensation was paid or is proposed to be paid to the victims.
“Issuing the notices, the Commission has further observed that life is precious in itself, which encompasses the rights to dignity, freedom, equality and liberty. It is the solemn duty of the State to protect these rights as constitutionally guaranteed,” it added.
Meanwhile, BJP will launch a documentary on Sandeshkhali tomorrow (February 22) morning at 9:00 am.
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