NHRC takes cognizance of a complaint alleging unlawful detention and assault on a journalist by police in Sandeshkhali, West Bengal

Press Release

NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION

New Delhi, 20th February, 2024

NHRC takes cognizance of a complaint alleging unlawful detention and assault on a journalist by police in Sandeshkhali, West Bengal

Terms allegations as a serious issue of violation of human rights and restriction on the freedom of the press

Issues notice to the State DGP calling for a report within two weeks

Also asks its DIG (Investigation) to find out facts by telephone and submit a report within a week

The National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, India has taken suo motu cognizance of a complaint that Shri Santu Pan, a journalist of Republic Bangla TV was unlawfully detained while covering crimes against women in Sandeshkhali, West Bengal on 19th February, 2024. Allegedly, without any prior notice, the police personnel encircled the victim, assaulted and forcefully took him into illegal custody. The complainant being the wife of the journalist has also alleged that she has no access to him and is concerned about his well-being. She has further submitted that this is an attempt to throttle the media through coercion and intimidation in the State of West Bengal.

The Commission has observed that the allegations raise a serious issue of violation of his human rights and also restriction on the freedom of the press. Accordingly, it has issued a notice to the Director General of Police (DIG), West Bengal directing him to submit a report in the matter within two weeks. The Commission has also asked its DIG (Investigation) to find out the facts by telephone and submit his findings to the Commission within a week.

Issuing the notice, the NHRC has also noted the observation of the Supreme Court in a recent case that "An independent press is vital for the robust functioning of a democratic republic. Its role in a democratic society is crucial for it shines a light on the functioning of the State. The press has a duty to speak truth to power, and present citizens with hard facts enabling them to make choices that propel democracy in the right direction. The restriction on the freedom of the press compels citizens to think along the same tangent. A homogenized view on issues that range from socio-economic policy to political ideologies would pose grave dangers to democracy."

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