The Sandeshkhali issue is at the center of the political tussle in the state.
New Delhi:
Even as politics continues to heat up over the issue, the National Human Rights Commission has taken note of rape allegations leveled by women in Sandeshkhali, West Bengal, against a strong Trinamool Congress leader and his associates. The panel has issued notices to the state chief secretary and the police chief, and will also send a team to the village to conduct an on-the-spot investigation.
Taking note of media reports that local villagers are protesting against the alleged crimes of Trinamool leader Sheikh Shahjahan – who is absconding – and his associates Uttam Sardar and Shibu Hazra – who have been arrested – the Commission on Wednesday said that These “prima facie indicate conscience-shocking human rights violations”.
The panel also said the safety of women, children and the elderly was at risk and many women had fled their homes. In exercise of its power under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, the commission said it has issued notices to the West Bengal Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police and asked them to submit an action taken report within four weeks.
The officials have also been asked to provide details of measures taken for the safety of villagers and compensation, if any, given to victims of violence.
On Tuesday, the Calcutta High Court had pulled up the Mamata Banerjee government over the situation in Sandeshkhali and said the state “cannot support” Shahjahan.
Allowing BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari to visit the village, the court had said, “We have seen complaints, women of the area have raised issues, some land has been encroached upon. This person (Sheikh Shahjahan) cannot run away.” ” The state cannot support this. In the suo motu case, we will ask him to surrender here. He cannot disregard the law.”
The BJP has accused the Trinamool Congress of trying to hush up the allegations and imposing prohibitory orders to stop the opposition from visiting the village. However, the ruling party has claimed that the BJP is trying to create trouble in the area.
Shahjahan is absconding after a mob attacked an Enforcement Directorate team during a raid at his house in connection with an alleged ration scam on January 5.
