The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), which is investigating the Sandeshkhali violence, has found a blatant breach of human rights due to "negligence" in the prevention of atrocities. According to news agency PTI, the NHRC stated in its report that people's "pervasive fear of reprisal, coupled with the power dynamics at play, acted as a formidable barrier" that kept them from speaking out about their grievances.
The NHRC also said in a statement on Saturday that it has made several recommendations and asked the West Bengal government to submit an action taken report (ATR) on each of the recommendations within eight weeks.
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"The Commission's spot inquiry has revealed several instances of atrocities inflicted upon the victims, which clearly demonstrate, prima facie, that there was a violation of human rights due to negligence in the prevention of such violation or abatement thereof by the public servant," the NHRC report stated.
The report has been uploaded on the website of NHRC for "wider dissemination of information," the statement further added.
To submit the ATR, the Commission has forwarded its spot inquiry report to the West Bengal DGP and chief secretary.
The NHRC report observed that the "atmosphere due to the atrocities by the alleged accused persons rendered the victims silent", and intimidation, and terror compel them "reluctant to seek justice". This "climate of terror" not only "perpetuates the cycle of abuse" but also outlines the dire need to create a safe and conducive environment for victims to "break free from the shackles of silence", it has noted.
The rights panel has also noted that the "atmosphere of fear" has a "negative impact" on the development and well-being of the children who are continuously exposed to their parents' suffering at the hands of these accused parties, in addition to having an effect on the victims.
Media Reports On Sandeshkhali Atrocities
The reports in print and electronic media stating that "innocent and impoverished women have been harassed and sexually assaulted by a local gang of a political person" in Sandeshkhali, North 24 Paraganas, were brought to the attention of the NHRC suo motu on February 21.
Due to the local administration's failure to take appropriate legal action against the criminals, the villagers had been protesting for the past few days, demanding that the "perpetrators of horrific crimes indulged in by various goons and anti-social elements" be held accountable.
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Apart from requesting reports from the state government, the Commission, acknowledging the seriousness of the situation, constituted an investigation team for an on-site inquiry, led by one of its members. Additionally, the NHRC team spoke with the administration and police at Sandeshkhali and asked for more information. However, the statement added, "Despite reminders, no reply has been given to date."
The NHRC team recommended "reinstating trust in the rule of law and confidence in authorities" in addition to making sure that grievances are addressed and witnesses are protected. "Counselling and rehabilitation of victims of sexual offences; return of the land to the legitimate owners; impartial investigation of complaints by central agencies; initiating awareness programmes are other recommendations," it highlighted, according to PTI.
It has also been suggested to operationalise a national emergency response system (NERS) and provide employment opportunities, and vocational training.
The other suggestions included restoring the rightful land owners to allow agriculture, enhancing socio-economic indicators, creating plans tailored to each area, designating special rapporteurs to provide periodic updates on the state of affairs in Sandeshkhali, and looking into any cases of missing women or girls from the Sandeshkhali police station's surrounding area.