News Brief
Sandeshkhali Violence: NHRC Takes Suo Motu Cognisance Of Human Rights Violations, Seeks Reports From West Bengal Chief Secretary, DGP
Women in Sandeshkhali (West Bengal)
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Wednesday (21 February) said that it has taken suo motu cognisance of media reports on unabated human rights violations due to violence in West Bengal's Sandeshkhali.
Citing media reports that in Sandeshkhali, innocent and impoverished women have been harassed and sexually assaulted by the local gang of a politician, and the villagers have been demanding appropriate legal action against the perpetrators, the human rights watchdog has issued notices to the West Bengal chief secretary and Director General of Police (DGP) and sought reports within four weeks.
"It has also been reported that safety and security of the women folk as well as children and aged persons have been jeopardized. It has resulted in leaving the places of abode by the women due to torture and sexual abuse that are looming large upon them," the Commission said.
"The Commission has observed that the recent incidents in Sandeshkhali, as have been reported in various print and electronic 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 cognizance of the reported incidents of violence," it said.
Accordingly, it has issued notices to the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police, Government of West Bengal seeking reports within four weeks with regard to reported violence that took place in Sandeshkhali.
It has also sought report from the West Bengal officials on the action taken or proposed to be taken against the perpetrators of crime, safety and other ameliorative measures taken or proposed to be taken to inspire confidence amongst the local people, including women, compensation, if any, paid or to be paid to the victims of violence.
Further, the Commission has also decided to depute its team to ascertain facts by a spot-enquiry into the incidents of violence of human rights in Sandeshkhali.
The team will be led by a Member of the Commission who will be assisted by officers of the Commission, it said.
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