NCW Condemns Violence in Bengal’s Sandeshkhali; Accuses Cops, TMC Leaders of Sexual Assault

The National Commission for Women (NCW) has strongly condemned the dire conditions observed in West Bengal, following a fact-finding mission on February 12, 2024. The development took place after a team of the NCW visited Sandeshkali to evaluate the response of local authorities to reports of severe violence and intimidation against women. 

Notably, the findings of the NCW team revealed a troubling pattern of neglect and complicity by the Bengal government and law enforcement. 

Delina Khongdup, an NCW member, expressed deep dismay at the behavior of local police during the visit. The Director-General of Police (DGP) reportedly refused to cooperate with the team, while the Superintendent of Police (SP) failed to offer any support to them.

Disturbing accounts from women in the village depicted a horrifying environment of widespread fear and systematic abuse. The victims recalled the instances of physical and sexual violence by police officers and members of the Trinamool Congress (TMC). Those who spoke out faced immediate retaliation, including property seizure, arbitrary arrests of male relatives and further brutality.

In a joint statement as “Sandeshkali Gramvasi,” the women detailed numerous horrors they endured, including harassment, torture, and blatant violations of their dignity and rights.

The severity of the situation was highlighted by a distressing incident where an NCW committee member recorded a woman’s testimony, only to have the recording deleted as the victim pleaded for her safety. 

Such brazen acts of intimidation and censorship require urgent action, the NCW team said.

NCW Chairperson to Visit Sandeshkhali

NCW Chairperson Rekha Sharma will visit Sandeshkali in the coming days to talk to the police and victims, regarding the safety and security of women in West Bengal. The West Bengal Police has failed in its duty to protect the most vulnerable, necessitating immediate government intervention.

The NCW stands in solidarity with the women of Sandeshkali and pledges to pursue every avenue to ensure justice and accountability for the atrocities they’ve endured.