File photo of arrested and suspended TMC leader Shibu Hazra, who is among those named in the NHRC report
A report released by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Saturday unveils shocking cases of alleged gangrape perpetrated by Trinamool Congress (TMC) leaders within the confines of its party office in Sandeshkhali.
Details of the Report
ThePrint has obtained a copy of the NHRC report, revealing testimonies from at least two women who claim to have been “gangraped” by TMC leaders but refrained from reporting the incidents to the police.
According to the report, TMC leaders Shibu Prasad Hazra, Uttam Sardar, and Amir Ali Ghazi have been named as the accused, purportedly acting under the direction and support of party heavyweight Sheikh Shahjahan.
The NHRC team, after initially facing reluctance from villagers to share their ordeals due to fear, managed to gain their trust and uncovered distressing accounts of abuse.
Incidents of Abuse
Women from the village were allegedly summoned to the TMC Party office under the pretext of meetings but were subjected to abusive language and targeted for sexual exploitation, particularly young and attractive women.
One woman disclosed to the NHRC team that she had been raped multiple times by Shibu Prasad Hazra and Uttam Sardar but refrained from reporting the incidents due to fear and social stigma.
Another woman revealed that she was groped and harassed by the accused while looking for her husband and subsequently gangraped by Shibu Prasad Hazra and Amir Ali Ghazi. She was then advised by the police to compromise with the accused.
Political Fallout
TMC leaders Shibu Hazra, Uttam Sardar, and Sheikh Shahjahan have been arrested and suspended by the party. However, the TMC has dismissed the NHRC report, labeling it as a partisan tool of the BJP.
NHRC Intervention
The NHRC intends to seek the intervention of the Calcutta High Court in the matter, and copies of the report have been provided to the chief secretary and director general of police (DGP) for further action.
NHRC deputes its DG (Investigation) as a Special Human Rights Observer to conduct an on the spot survey of West Bengal, in consultation with the State Election Commission, to identify sensitive constituencies prone to violence in the upcoming panchayat polls;
— NHRC India (@India_NHRC) June 11, 2023
Past Reports and Political Ramifications
This isn’t the first time the NHRC has raised concerns about human rights violations in West Bengal, posing challenges for the ruling TMC government.
The report is expected to intensify political tensions between the TMC and the BJP, with women’s issues likely to take center stage in the upcoming elections.
The NHRC’s damning report sheds light on the pervasive abuse of power and violation of women’s rights in Sandeshkhali, underscoring the urgent need for accountability and justice in addressing these grave allegations.
