The National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) has recommended the imposition of President’s Rule in West Bengal amidst the ongoing violence in Sandeshkhali. The NCSC’s decision comes in response to escalating tensions and allegations of harassment and violence against women by Trinamool Congress (TMC) supporters in the region. Led by NCSC chief Arun Halder, the commission’s delegation visited Sandeshkhali and submitted a report to President Droupadi Murmu outlining the atrocities and demanding urgent action. The NCSC emphasized the need for constitutional safeguards and expressed concern over the state government’s handling of the situation.
Kolkata: The National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) chief, Arun Halder, has urged the imposition of President’s rule in West Bengal following alleged harassment of women by Trinamool Congress (TMC) supporters in Sandeshkhali.
READ ALSO: Kerala High Court Criticizes Officer’s Conduct, Emphasizes “Trust in Uniform”
The NCSC delegation’s visit to the area revealed claims of land capture and sexual harassment by TMC leader Shajahan Sheikh and his supporters. Halder, after submitting the report to President Droupadi Murmu, highlighted the atrocities and violence, asserting the need for constitutional safeguards. The situation remains tense in Sandeshkhali, prompting the NCSC’s call for immediate action.
Halder, after submitting the report to President Droupadi Murmu, shared a brief account of the “atrocities and violence endured by the people of Sandeshkhali.” The NCSC has recommended President’s rule under Article 338 to safeguard the rights of Scheduled Castes. Halder stated that the President assured the commission of a thorough review and appropriate action. He criticized the state government for hindering their visit to the area and claimed that criminals in the state have joined forces with the government.
“We have recommended that President’s rule should be imposed in West Bengal over the situation there under Article 338 that aims to safeguard rights of SCs,”
Halder said.
READ ALSO: Supreme Court: Elder Sister’s Guardianship Depends on Courts, Not Writ Petition
The Calcutta High Court, under the leadership of Justice Apurba Sinha Roy, has initiated Suo motu cognizance of troubling allegations originating from Sandeshkhali, a secluded village in West Bengal’s North 24 Parganas district. Expressing profound concern, the court is investigating reported incidents involving grave accusations of sexual assault against women “at gunpoint” and the unauthorized transfer of tribal land.
The ongoing violence in Sandeshkhali, impacting Scheduled Caste communities, has led to demands for the immediate arrest of Sheikh, who has been absconding since an Enforcement Directorate (ED) team’s raid on his house in connection with an alleged ration scam. Halder highlighted West Bengal’s significant SC population, expressing concern for their well-being amidst the violence. The NCSC has issued a notice to the state government, urging immediate action to protect the affected communities.
“The state is suppose to protect them but that is not happening and they are in fact suffering under the state government rule,” he said.
As Sandeshkhali remains tense, a BJP central team and a Congress delegation are scheduled to visit the area. The large number of women in the locality accusing TMC leader Shajahan Sheikh and his supporters of land-grab and sexual assault has intensified the situation. Sheikh has been absconding since a mob attacked ED officers during a raid at his residence.
