Reports in the media as well as on social media platforms recounted harrowing experiences of women who suffered physical and sexual abuse allegedly at the hands of both police officers and TMC members in Sandeshkhali.
The report said an inquiry committee (IC) chaired by Sharma was set up by the NCW to investigate these incidents.
“Upon visiting Sandeshkhali, the IC found numerous complaints of physical and sexual abuse, land acquisition and wrongful arrests of male family members.
However, their attempts to meet with local authorities, including the District Magistrate and the Superintendent of Police, were met with negligence and apathy,” the report said.
The observations made by the committee underscored a total breakdown of law and order in Sandeshkhali, with a disturbingly high incidence of violence against women.
Political pressure on police, under-reporting of incidents due to fear and stigma, and inadequate support services were among the key issues highlighted, it said.
In light of these findings, the NCW proposed several recommendations, including the imposition of the President’s Rule in West Bengal, appointment of a central or judicial body to investigate the violence, replacement of the police personnel in Sandeshkhali and the immediate arrest of Shahjahan.
Additionally, implementing socio-economic schemes for villagers, community awareness programmes and enhancing victim support services were suggested in the report to address the root causes of violence and promote community resilience.
