NHRC: Spot investigation reveals human rights violations in the Sandeshkhali controversy

The NHRC has noted “several instances of atrocities” in the Sandeshkhali case in West Bengal and said that they point to a “violation of human rights” because of “negligence” in preventing such incidences. This is the result of a spot investigation into the issue.

In its findings, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) noted that people’s “pervasive fear of reprisal, coupled with the power dynamics at play, acted as a formidable barrier” that kept them from speaking up about their complaints.

The NHRC said in a statement on Saturday that the rights body had made a number of recommendations and had asked the West Bengal administration to submit an action taken report (ATR) on each of the recommendations within eight weeks.

“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 NHRC website now hosts the report for “wider dissemination of information,” according to the announcement.

For the purpose of filing the ATR, the Commission has sent its spot inquiry report to the West Bengal DGP and chief secretary.

Women from Sandeshkhali wait to speak with a representative of the National Commission for Women (NCW).
For victims of sexual assault and land grabbing in Sandeshkhali, the CBI establishes email IDs.
According to the NHRC findings, the victims were “reluctant to seek justice” because of intimidation and fear, as well as the “atmosphere due to the atrocities by the alleged accused persons,” which forced them mute.

It has been noted that this “climate of terror” not only “perpetuates the cycle of abuse” but also highlights how critical it is to provide a secure and encouraging atmosphere so that victims may “break free from the shackles of silence”.

The rights panel has also noted that the “atmosphere of fear” has a “negative impact” on the development and well-being of the children who are continuously exposed to their parents’ suffering at the hands of these accused parties, in addition to having an effect on the victims.

The claims in print and electronic media that “innocent and impoverished women have been harassed and sexually assaulted by a group of local gang of a political person” in Sandeshkhali, North 24th Paragana, were brought to the attention of the NHRC suo motu on February 21.

Due to the local administration’s failure to take appropriate legal action against the criminals, the villagers had been protesting for the past few days, demanding that the “perpetrators of horrific crimes indulged by various goons and anti-social elements” be held accountable.

Given the seriousness of the issue, the Commission had sent an investigative team, led by one of its members, to conduct a spot investigation in addition to requesting reports from the state administration.

The statement said that the NHRC team also spoke with the administration and police in Sandeshkhali and asked for further information, “but despite reminders, no reply has been given to date.”

The NHRC panel recommended “reinstating trust in the rule of law and confidence in authorities” in addition to making sure that concerns are addressed and witnesses are protected.

Other proposals included restitution of the property to its rightful owners, impartial central agency complaint investigations, counseling and rehabilitation for victims of sexual offenses, and the start of awareness campaigns.

It has also been suggested to operationalize a national emergency response system (NERS), provide job possibilities, and provide vocational training.

The other suggestions include restoring the land to allow for agriculture, enhancing socioeconomic indicators, creating plans tailored to each area, designating special rapporteurs to provide periodic updates on the state of affairs in Sandeshkhali, and looking into any cases of missing women or girls from the Sandeshkhali police station’s surrounding area.

The Commission has said that “WPA No. 4011 of 2024, the High Court of Judicature at Calcutta, has also seized this incident.”

It has made the decision to ask the High Court for permission to get involved in the case,” the statement said.