News Brief
PM Modi's Upcoming Bengal Visit Includes Key Meeting With Sandeshkhali Women: Report
Kuldeep Negi
Feb 22, 2024, 03:55 PM | Updated 03:55 PM IST
Save & read from anywhere!
Bookmark stories for easy access on any device or the Swarajya app.
Amid the escalating political tensions in West Bengal over the Sandeshkhali issue, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is reportedly expected to meet with several women from the island.
These women have accused leaders of ruling Trinamool Congress of sexual harassment and extortion.
The Prime Minister's meeting with the women from Sandeshkhali is set for 6 March, coinciding with his visit to Bengal for a key meeting of the BJP's women's wing ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, NDTV reported citing sources.
Sandeshkhali, an island in the North 24 Parganas district of Bengal, has gained national attention following allegations by the BJP that local Trinamool leaders have been involved in the sexual harassment of women in the area.
Also Read: West Bengal: Calcutta High Court Grants Bail To Republic Bangla Journalist Arrested In Sandeshkhali
The BJP, which is the main opposition in Bengal, has levelled accusations against the Mamata Banerjee-led government for allegedly attempting to suppress the issue and shielding TMC leader Sheikh Shahjahan.
The Trinamool chief has responded by accusing the BJP of instigating unrest on the island.
These accusations have also led to investigations by the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).
The commission for Scheduled Tribes made a visit to the island today, and the NHRC has announced plans to send a team to gather factual information.
The 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.
Save & read from anywhere!
Bookmark stories for easy access on any device or the Swarajya app.
Kuldeep is Senior Editor (Newsroom) at Swarajya. He tweets at @kaydnegi.
Introducing ElectionsHQ + 50 Ground Reports Project
The 2024 elections might seem easy to guess, but there are some important questions that shouldn't be missed.
Do freebies still sway voters? Do people prioritise infrastructure when voting? How will Punjab vote?
The answers to these questions provide great insights into where we, as a country, are headed in the years to come.
Swarajya is starting a project with an aim to do 50 solid ground stories and a smart commentary service on WhatsApp, a one-of-a-kind. We'd love your support during this election season.
Click below to contribute.