Sandeshkhali Violence: Rights Panel Sends Notice To Bengal Govt, DGP, To Send Team For 'On-Spot Inquiry'

NHRC said it will send a team to conduct an on-site investigation to ascertain the facts surrounding the "violations of human rights" in Sandeshkhali.

New Delhi: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) issued a notice to West Bengal government and the state's police chief following allegations of ongoing “human rights violations” amid escalating violence in strife-torn Sandeshkhali, news agency PTI reported.

In response to the situation, the NHRC has opted to dispatch a team to conduct an "on-spot inquiry" to ascertain the facts surrounding the "violations of human rights" in Sandeshkhali, situated in the North 24 Parganas district, PTI reported.

The team, led by an NHRC member and supported by panel officers, will probe into the reported incidents of human rights violations, particularly focusing on the alleged harassment and sexual assault of women.

“The NHRC has taken suo motu cognisance of print and electronic media reports that in Sandeshkhali, North 24th Paraganas, 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,” the Human Rights Commission said in a statement.

The NHRC further said it will exercise its jurisdiction under Section 12 (a) of the PHR Act, 1993. This provision empowers the NHRC to preserve, protect, and promote human rights, and consequently, the Commission has initiated suo motu cognizance of the reported violence.

According to the report, notices have also been issued to the chief secretary and the Director General of Police (DGP) of West Bengal, seeking comprehensive reports within four weeks detailing the violence and the measures taken or proposed against the perpetrators.

Additionally, the authorities have been asked to clarify whether any compensation has been provided or is planned for the victims.

"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," the NHRC statement said.