The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has flagged, “numerous instances of atrocities,” suggesting a clear “violation of human rights” in Sandeshkhali in West Bengal due to “neglect” in preventing such occurrences.
The NHRC report following a spot inquiry into the incident also noted that the “widespread fear of retaliation, compounded by existing power dynamics, acted as a significant obstacle,” hindering individuals from expressing their grievances.
The rights panel has put forward several recommendations and has requested an action taken report (ATR) within eight weeks on each recommendation from the West Bengal government, as stated in a statement released by the NHRC on Saturday.
“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,” it said.
The Commission has sent its spot inquiry report to the chief secretary and DGP, West Bengal for submitting the ATR. The 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 justice”.
This “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 observed.
The 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 accused.
On 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 person”.
As 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 anti-social elements, when the local administration failed to take appropriate legal action against the perpetrators of crime,” it added.
In 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 members.
“In response, thereto, the DG and IGP, West Bengal vide communication dated 29.02.2024, revealed that a total of 25 cases were registered among which seven cases were on alleged complaints of a sexual offence against women and 24 accused persons were arrested”, it said. Efforts were also being made to arrest the absconding perpetrators of the crime. The overall situation of the entire Sandeshkhali police station area and Nazat police station area was described to be “well under control”.
The NHRC investigation team found that there is a need to “uproot the fear” of these persons from the hearts of the victims to enable them to live their normal lives with their families and gain the confidence to live in society with dignity and pride.
It is the duty of the district authorities, being arms of a welfare state, to take consistent measures to instil confidence in the residents of the area in general, and victims in particular, so that others who have been victims of crimes may come forward and file their complaints, the statement said.
The NHRC, in its statement, said its 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 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 grievances.
