NHRC takes suo motu cognizance of media reports on unabated human rights violations due to continued violence in Sandeshkhali, West Bengal

Press Release

National Human Rights Commission

New Delhi, 21st February, 2024

NHRC takes suo motu cognizance of media reports on unabated human rights violations due to continued violence in Sandeshkhali, West Bengal

Expressing serious concern, issues notices to the State Chief Secretary and DGP calling for reports within four weeks

NHRC team led by a Member also to conduct a spot enquiry

The National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, India has taken suo motu cognizance of print and electronic media reports that in Sandeshkhali, North 24th Paragana, 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 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 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.

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 violence that took place, as reported, in Sandeshkhali, North 24 Parganas and 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.

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.

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.

*****