A fact-finding committee comprising members of civil society is set to visit West Bengal to investigate allegations of sexual harassment and abuse in Sandeshkhali, North 24 Parganas district. The ‘Fact Finding Committee on Human Rights Violations’ announced that it will conduct a thorough examination in both North 24 Parganas and South 24 Parganas districts, with the visit to Sandeshkhali scheduled for February 25.
The committee, comprised of former Chief Justice of Patna High Court Justice L Narsimha Reddy, former IPS officer Raj Pal Singh, former NCW member Dr Charu Wali Khanna, advocates OP Vyas and Bhavna Bajaj, along with a senior journalist, plans to carry out the fact-finding mission on February 24 and 25. Their objective is to prepare a comprehensive report and submit it to constitutional authorities.
In a separate development, a delegation led by the National Commission for Women (NCW) chairperson Rekha Sharma met with the West Bengal Director General of Police (DGP) on Tuesday. Sharma expressed concern over the police response in Sandeshkhali and called for a change in the police officials present in the area. She highlighted the challenges faced during her visit and mentioned that the DGP, while initially cooperative, appeared constrained after receiving phone calls.
Rekha Sharma had earlier demanded the resignation of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee after her visit to Sandeshkhali on Monday. The island has gained attention due to allegations of sexual violence by Trinamool leaders and multiple accounts of women reporting harassment and extortion.
The controversy involves accusations against Trinamool Congress figure Shajahan Sheikh and his supporters of “land-grab and sexually assaulting” women under coercion. Shajahan has been evading authorities since a mob, purportedly affiliated with him, attacked Enforcement Directorate officials during a raid on his premises on January 5 in connection with a ration scam.
Two TMC leaders, Shiba Prasad Hazra and Uttam Sardar, have been arrested and charged with alleged gangrape and attempted murder in connection with the Sandeshkhali incidents. The fact-finding committee aims to shed light on the situation and provide a comprehensive report to constitutional authorities for further action.