In response to ongoing protests by women in West Bengal’s Sandeshkhali area, the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) has stepped in to address grievances. The protests stem from reported incidents of violence and sexual assault allegedly perpetrated by supporters of Trinamool Congress strongman Shajahan Sheikh.
NCSC chairman Arun Haldar announced plans to submit a detailed report on the situation to President Droupadi Murmu. Haldar emphasized the commission’s commitment to listening to victims and ensuring their voices are heard, stating, “We are here to listen to them and give the report to the government.”
A delegation from the NCSC is currently in Sandeshkhali, engaging with affected individuals and assessing the extent of the situation. Anju Bala, another panel member, has called for the implementation of presidential rule in the area to ensure the safety of residents. Bala criticized Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for allegedly neglecting to address the issue effectively.
Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has intensified its criticism of the Trinamool Congress government, accusing it of protecting individuals involved in the violence. BJP MP Dilip Ghosh condemned Banerjee’s handling of the situation, stating that those responsible for the violence must be held accountable.
Tensions escalated earlier in the week during a protest led by BJP workers against the reported sexual harassment of women in Sandeshkhali. The situation worsened as clashes broke out between police forces and party members, resulting in injuries.
To further investigate the matter, the BJP has formed a six-member committee comprising Union Ministers and MPs. The committee, led by Union Minister Annapurna Devi, aims to gather information about the alleged incidents and submit a comprehensive report to BJP Party President JP Nadda.
Nadda expressed dismay over the reported incidents, describing them as “heart-wrenching” and indicative of the deteriorating law and order situation in West Bengal. He criticized the state administration for its perceived inaction in addressing the ongoing violence against women.
Amid the protests, women demonstrators have voiced concerns about the difficulty in obtaining justice. They have alleged that victims of sexual assault were asked to provide medical reports as proof, despite the challenges of obtaining such evidence for incidents that occurred months or even years ago.
Additionally, protesters have highlighted instances of forced labor and intimidation, with individuals being coerced into working late at night under duress. They have called for accountability and restoration of their dignity, expressing skepticism about the effectiveness of the state police in apprehending those responsible.
As the situation continues to unfold, attention remains focused on efforts by authorities and political parties to address the underlying issues and ensure justice for the victims of violence in Sandeshkhali.
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