Sandeshkhali Women Raped In TMC Office, Men Forced To Migrate, Police Suggested Compromise: NHRC Report

Sandeshkhali NHRC Report dated April 12 has revealed shocking alleged incidents of sexual assault, rape, gang-rape, forced and unpaid labour, forced migration and land grab.

The NHRC report cites instances of police refusing to register FIR and advising for a "compromise" with the accused. 

Source : NHRC Report

The National Human Right Commission (NHRC) in its spot enquiry report dated April 12 has revealed glaring and shocking alleged incidents of sexual assault, rape, gang-rape, forced and unpaid labour, forced migration and land grab for fish farming by Shibu Prasad Hazra, Uttam Sardar, Amir Ali Ghazi and others who allegedly acted under the directions and patronage of Trinamool Congress leader Sheikh Shahjahan. The women in Sandeshkhali and Jheliakhali told the NHRC officials that the women of the village were called at the TMC Party office by the named alleged accused persons on pretext of party meeting and meeting of Self Help Groups.

"They used to make the women sit in the office late at night and used abusive and filthy language. The young and good looking women were specifically targeted. They were taken inside the room at TMC office at Sandeshkhali and were sexually exploited/gang-raped. Other women were engaged in work such as making food, cleaning the office ponds etc." the report said. 

The report further says that women were forced to go to the TMC party office whenever called, even if their family members were ill. "If the women refused to come and defy orders, women and their family members were beaten up and were taken to the party office forcefully."

According to NHRC report, from the period between Jan 1, 2023 to Feb 25, 2024, 3 minor girls and 37 adult women are still untraced.

Sandeshkhali Police Suggested Rape Victims To Compromise With Accused

The NHRC report cites instances of police refusing to register FIR and advising for a "compromise" with the accused. 

"Almost every victim has told the NHRC team that the police do not respond to their complaints against Shibu Prasad Hazara, Uttam Sardar and their associates. Shockingly, they were advised to approach the alleged accused or their alleged patron  Sheikh Shahjahan directly and seek a compromise instead of receiving the support they sought from the police. The common people have lost faith in local police," the report read.

Sandeshkhali Men Forced To Migrate Due To Unpaid Labour, Exploitation

According to the report, a significant number of men from Sandeshkhali have chosen to seek livelihoods in distant places, leaving behind the women, children, elderly who continue to reside in the villages. "The decision to migrate is often driven by the pursuit of better economic opportunities and also staying in their hometown could potentially expose them to working for alleged accused or political parties without wages."

According to NHRC report, one women at Majher para, Sandeshkhali disclosed to its team that about a year back she was raped two-three times by Shibu Prasad Hazara and Uttam Sardar but she is not willing to report to police due to fear of alleged accused and social stigma. She had disclosed it to her husband, who then went to the Party office, however, he was beaten up, after which he went to Bengaluru to earn livelihood.

Families are sending young girls to stay with distant relatives due to fear of being accused.

Land Grab In Sandeshkhali For Fish Farming

It has also been alleged that the aforementioned persons and their associates used to inundate farmers fields with saltwater, rendering the land unfit for traditional agriculture. Subsequently, they coerce the distressed farmers into leasing land for pisciculture (fish farming), exploiting the adverse conditions they created for their own gain. 

Further, they never give the promised lease amount for the land. "On both sides of the road towards Sandeshkhali block almost all of the land, at present, is being used for Pisciculture," the NHRC team noted.

Shiekh Shahjahan's Associates Casted Votes In Villagers' Names, Looted MGNREGA Funds

The NHRC team found that villagers were discriminated against or denied benefits of State/Central Government schemes such as old age pension, MGNREGA, Public distribution system, financial help to build their houses and toilets etc., by the concerned officials in
connivance with the alleged group of persons is of deep concern.

"Further, allegations of deprivation of the right to vote are serious in nature and undermine the democratic values of the nation," the report said.

It has been alleged that the accused looted the wages of the villagers under the MGNREGA and forced them to handover substantial sums to the influential alleged accused persons.

The NHRC report states that the pervasive fear of reprisal, coupled with the power dynamics at play, acted as a formidable barrier, preventing these individuals from voicing their grievances.

"This climate of terror not only perpetuated the cycle of abuse but also underscores the urgent need to create a safe and supportive environment for victims to break free from the shackles of silence...The atmosphere of fear not only affects the victims but also has a negative impact on the growth and health of the children who constantly witness the ordeals of their parents in the hands of these alleged accused," the report read.