West Bengal DGP Assures Action Against Perpetrators in Sandeshkhali Violence

GG News Bureau
Kolkata, 22nd Feb. West Bengal’s Director General of Police (DGP), Rajeev Kumar, assured on Thursday to address the grievances of every individual in Sandeshkhali and ensure stringent action against those responsible for the turmoil. Following his overnight stay in the troubled areas of North 24 Parganas district, Kumar vowed strict measures against individuals involved in the mistreatment of women.

“I came here to engage with my officers and oversee the welfare of the people. We will thoroughly investigate every complaint. Any instances of land grabbing or other misconduct will be met with severe consequences. Those found guilty of inflicting harm will face appropriate action,” stated Kumar during a media briefing in Dhamakhali this morning.

During his inaugural visit to the region since the onset of protests, Kumar convened meetings with ADG South Bengal Supratim Sarkar, Basirhat Police District SP Hasan Mehedi Rehman, and other law enforcement officials. Additionally, he visited nearby islands to gauge the prevailing conditions.

A special team from the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), designated to probe allegations of sexual violence and land appropriation, is scheduled to visit Sandeshkhali on Thursday. The NHRC has dispatched notices to West Bengal’s chief secretary BP Gopalika and the DGP, requesting comprehensive reports on the incidents and the subsequent actions taken against the perpetrators within four weeks.

In a recent development, authorities registered a second case of gangrape against prime suspects Shajahan Sheikh, Uttam Sardar, and Sibaprasad Hazra. This came after a woman provided her testimony under Section 164 of the Code of Criminal Procedure before a magistrate.

The accused individuals face charges under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including gangrape, wrongful confinement, and criminal intimidation.

The turmoil in Sandeshkhali sparked controversy following a mob assault on Enforcement Directorate officials on January 5. The officials were investigating TMC leader Shajahan Sheikh in connection with an alleged ration distribution scam. Allegations surfaced from protesting women in Sandeshkhali, accusing Shajahan and his associates of land seizure and sexual harassment.