NEW DELHI: Amid Sandeshkhali violence, the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) has submitted a comprehensive report to President Droupadi Murmu, recommending the imposition of President's rule in West Bengal. NCSC Chief Arun Halder disclosed that the commission's report highlighted the alleged harassment of women by Trinamool Congress (TMC) supporters in Sandeshkhali.
Meanwhile, the political delegations faced roadblocks as they attempted to address the alleged atrocities against women amidst ongoing protests. A six-member BJP delegation was stopped by the police on their mission to investigate the reported incidents, while the Congress chief questioned the restriction on opposition parties.
Simultaneously, the Supreme Court took notice of the escalating violence, agreeing to consider a PIL seeking a court-monitored probe.
Here's all you need to know-
NCSC submits report to President, recommends President's rule in BengalA delegation of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) had visited Sandeshkhali on Thursday after a large number of women claimed that TMC leader Shajahan Sheikh and his supporters captured swathes of land by force and also sexually harassed them.
Speaking to reporters after submitting the report to the President, NCSC chief Arun Halder shared a brief account of "atrocities and violence endured by the people of Sandeshkhali".
"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.
According to the mandate given to the NCSC under Article 338 of the Constitution, it is the duty of the Commission to present to the President annually and at other times as the Commission may deem fit, reports upon the working of the constitutional safeguards of the Scheduled Castes.
BJP delegation stopped by police en route to Sandeshkhali A six-member delegation from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), led by Union minister Annapurna Devi, was halted by West Bengal Police on their way to Sandeshkhali today. The delegation including Pratima Bhowmik, Sunita Duggal, Kavita Patidar, Sangeeta Yadav, and Brij Lal, approached the destination, but they were stopped by police near Pratap Park on Residency Road.
The BJP leaders raised objections, asserting their right to meet the victims and citing concerns that local police might be involved in the reported atrocities.
Leaders' accusationsThe delegation said their intent to meet affected families, especially women and daughters, condemning the police's interference. BJP MLA Agnimitra Paul alleged that Mamata Banerjee's government displayed fear and suppression, citing the reluctance to permit Union ministers to visit as indicative of apprehension.
Congress leader Adhir Chowdhury stopped by policeWest Bengal Congress chief Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury was stopped by police on the way to restive Sandeshkhali area, which has been rocked by protests over alleged atrocities on villagers by TMC leaders, citing prohibitory orders.
Chowdhury expressed concern over the restriction imposed on opposition parties, questioning why they were not allowed to visit Sandeshkhali. The Congress rally led by Chowdhury was initially halted by police, citing Section 144 of CrPC, on its way to Sandeshkhali in North 24 Parganas district.
Chowdhury accused the Mamata Banerjee government of trying to politicize the situation and questioned the motives behind preventing opposition parties from entering Sandeshkhali.
What is happening in Sandeshkhali?
Continued Protests in SandeshkhaliProtests continued for the eighth consecutive day, where women in Sandeshkhali have been protesting against alleged atrocities, leading the BJP to form a delegation to investigate the situation. Despite the delegation's efforts, tensions continue to escalate, with protesters demanding justice and a resolution to the ongoing crisis. The region has witnessed a series of demonstrations and accusations against local leaders, contributing to a heightened state of unrest.
Supreme Court to consider PIL on violenceThe Supreme Court has agreed to consider listing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking a court-monitored Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) or Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into the violence in Sandeshkhali, West Bengal.
Filed by lawyer Alakh Alok Srivastava, the PIL seeks a court-monitored probe, compensation for victims, and action against West Bengal Police officials for alleged dereliction of duty. Srivastava requested an urgent hearing, and the Supreme Court has agreed to consider the PIL, emphasizing the need for a transparent investigation.
Transfer of probe and inquiry committee demandThe PIL also calls for the transfer of the probe and subsequent trial outside West Bengal and proposes an inquiry by a three-judge committee, similar to the one in the Manipur violence case. The Supreme Court's attention to the matter underscores the significance of addressing the socio-political issues surrounding the Sandeshkhali violence.
(With inputs from agencies)