- By Shivam Shandilya
- Tue, 05 Mar 2024 11:18 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Sandeshkhali Violence: Amid the ongoing developments in West Bengal over the Sandeshkhali issue, National Commission for Women chairperson Rekha Sharma met President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday and recommended the president's rule in the state. Earlier, the National Commission for Scheduled Caste (NCSC) had also recommended President rule in the TMC-ruled state.
Sharma, speaking to PTI, said that the situation in West Bengal's Sandeshkhali is still very dire.
"Sandeshkhali is not an isolated incident. Previously also many incidents of violence have been reported in the state and no action has been taken by the state government. Hence, NCW recommended to President Droupadi Murmu to impose President's rule in the state," she said.
According to Sharma, President Murmu told her that she is aware of the situation in the state and is closely monitoring it. A team of NCW recently visited West Bengal's Sandeshkhali to assess the situation there and review actions taken by the local authorities in response to reports of egregious violence and intimidation against women in the region.
A fact-finding report was also prepared by the commission, which said that it had gathered disturning testimonies of women alleging widespread fear and systematic abuse by both police officers and members of the ruling TMC. Sharma had also visited Sandeshkhali last month, where she accused the West Bengal government of suppressing the voice of a large number of women in Sandeshkhali.
The West Bengal government has moved the Supreme Court against the Calcutta High Court order directing a CBI probe into the Sandeshkhali matter, which pertains to the attack on ED officials.
Shahjahan was arrested by West Bengal police last week from North 24 Parganas district in connection with an alleged assault on ED officers during a raid in January earlier this year.
Sandeshkhali in West Bengal's North 24 Parganas district has been witnessing widespread protests against Sheikh Shahjahan since February, as a section of women are seeking justice against alleged atrocities committed by the TMC leader.
A large number of women in Sandeshkhali have accused Shajahan Sheikh and his close aides of "land-grab and sexual assault" under coercion.
(With input from agencies)