Sandeshkhali case: Spot inquiry points to 'violation' of human rights, says NHRC

In a spot inquiry into the Sandeshkhali case in West Bengal the NHRC has flagged several instances of atrocities saying it indicates that there was a violation of human rights due to negligence in the prevention of such incidentsThe National Human Rights Commission NHRC in its report also observed that the pervasive fear of reprisal coupled with the power dynamics at play acted as a formidable barrier preventing individuals from voicing their grievancesThe rights panel has made several recommendations and sought an action taken report ATR within eight weeks on each of the recommendations made therein from the government of West Bengal the NHRC said in a statement on SaturdayThe Commissions 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 it saidThe report has been uploaded on the NHRC website for wider dissemination of information the statement saidThe Commission has sent its spot inquiry report to the chief secretary and DGP West Bengal for submitting the ATRThe NHRC report made an observation that the atmosphere due to the atrocities by the alleged accused persons rendered the victims silent and intimidation and terror made them reluctant to seek justiceThis climate of terror not only perpetuates 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 it has observedThe rights panel has also made an observation that 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 at the hands of these alleged accusedOn February 21 the NHRC had taken suo motu cognisance of print and electronic media reports that in Sandeshkhali North 24th Paragana innocent and impoverished women have been harassed and sexually assaulted by a group of local gang of a political personAs a result for the last few days local villagers had started protesting seeking appropriate legal action against the perpetrators of horrific crimes indulged by various goons and antisocial elements when the local administration failed to take appropriate legal action against the perpetrators of crime it addedIn addition to seeking reports from the state government the Commission considering the gravity of the situation had deputed an investigation team for a spot inquiry headed by one of its membersThe NHRC team also interacted with the police and administration at Sandeshkhali and requested for further information but despite reminders no reply has been given to date the statement saidThe recommendations given by the NHRC team include reinstating trust in the rule of law and confidence in authorities and ensuring witness protection and redressal of grievancesCounselling 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 saidOperationalisation of a nationwide emergency response system NERS and vocational training and creating employment opportunities have also been recommendedReviving the land to make it suitable for agriculture improving socioeconomic indicators and preparing areaspecific plans appointing special rapporteurs to periodically report on the situation in Sandeshkhali and investigating cases of missing women or girls from the area of the police station of Sandeshkhali are among the other recommendationsThe Commission has noted that this incident is also seized by the High Court of Judicature at Calcutta in WPA No4011 of 2024 It has decided to seek leave from the High Court to intervene in the matter the statement saidThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever