“Sandeshkhali” violence in West Bengal

“Sandeshkhali” violence in West Bengal

GS-3: Internal Security

(UPSC/State PSC)

Important for preliminary exam:

Sunderbans, North 24 Parganas District, Sandeshkhali Area, TMC Party, Law Enforcement Agency, Money Laundering, National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), Kolkata High Court, Scheduled Castes and Tribes Commission, Central Commission for Women.

Important for Main Exam:

“Sandeshkhali” violence in West Bengal, main causes of violence, impact, way forward, conclusion.

21 February 2024

Why in news:

In recent times, the Sandeshkhali area in West Bengal's North 24 Parganas district has become a focal point of "unrest", "violence" and political controversy, raising demands for accountability and justice for female victims across the country.

“Sandeshkhali” violence in West Bengal:

Major causes of violence:

  • Sheikh Shahjahan, the influential leader of ruling party TMC at the center of “Sandeshkhali” violence and controversy, and his associates are facing serious allegations which have led to this violence:
  • Cases of atrocities and sexual harassment on women and children of Sandeshkhali area.
  • Kidnapping of regional women, extortion of money and illegal occupation of people's land.
  • Cases related to ration allocation scam and money laundering.
  • A case of direct violence against officers of law enforcement agencies during a raid at a residence.
  • Despite mounting evidence and public outcry, Shahjahan was not arrested, and there was suspicion of collusion between the police and the ruling dispensation.

About Sandeshkhali Region:

  • Sandeshkhali is a village located in 24 North Parganas district, 100 km from Kolkata. The village is an island in the Sundarbans, located close to the border with Bangladesh.

Impact of this violence:

  • This will increase internal security related challenges before the government.
  • This will increase the possibility of negative impact on social, economic and education related schemes run by the state government.
  • This may increase inter-community tension and caste-based discrimination in the state.
  • Incidents related to communalism, Naxalism and religious fanaticism may recur.
  • The consequences of the Sandeshkhali violence will not only reshape the future of the Sandeshkhali community, but will also pose a complex challenge to the judiciary's commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting the rights of the marginalized.
  • In a state reeling from political turmoil and social unrest, the resolution of the Sandeshkhali violence case will have a profound impact on the broader struggle for justice and accountability.
  • This could provide political patronage and further promotion to individuals like Sheikh Shahjahan.
  • This may lead to more complaints and frustration among the poor, deprived and economically marginalized people towards the policies and administration of the democratic government.
  • This may further increase gender-based violence and discrimination against women.

How safe is West Bengal state for women:

Missing cases:

  • National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data shows that West Bengal is the second highest state in India in terms of missing women.
  • In the year 2018, while the highest number of 33,964 women were reported missing in Maharashtra, 31,299 such cases were registered in the less populous state West Bengal. In West Bengal, the highest number of cases were reported in Kolkata, Nadia, Barasat, Barrackpur, Murshidabad.

Crime against women cases:

  • West Bengal is also among the leading states in crimes against women.
  • According to NCRB, in 2020, the highest number of cases against women, about 49 thousand, were reported in West Bengal (36,439), a state with half the population of UP, second only to Uttar Pradesh.

Responses of democratic and constitutional institutions:

Kolkata High Court:

  • Kolkata High Court has taken suo motu cognizance of the issues related to Sandeshkhali violence.
  • In which the court has overturned the prohibitory order imposed by the police and has appointed a special investigation committee to investigate the issues related to sexual harassment and forcible occupation of tribal lands.

Scheduled Castes and Tribes Commission:

  • In response to this incident, the Scheduled Castes and Tribes Commission P. It has been recommended to impose President's rule in Bengal.

Central Women's Commission:

  • National Commission for Women claimed in its report that TMC leaders have harassed women, which requires strict action.

Way forward:

  • The following steps need to be taken to address the grievances of the community affected by the violence and unrest in Sandeshkhali and to restore confidence in the rule of law:
  • Speedy and transparent investigation: Allegations of sexual harassment and violence should be thoroughly investigated in a speedy and transparent manner under the supervision of the Supreme Court.
  • Arrest and Prosecution: Those accused of committing atrocities, including Sheikh Shahjahan and his associates, should be apprehended and swiftly brought to justice. The law must apply equally to all persons, regardless of their political affiliation or influence.
  • Police Reforms and Accountability: There is an urgent need for police reforms to deal with allegations of collusion and collusion. Police officers who neglect their duties or obstruct justice must be held accountable.
  • Training programs focused on gender sensitivity and dealing with cases of sexual violence should also be implemented.
  • Assistance to victims: Efforts should be made to provide maximum assistance to victims of sexual assault. This includes access to medical care, counseling services, legal aid, and protection from further harm or threat.
  • Community engagement and reconciliation: Dialogue and engagement with the local community is essential to rebuild trust and promote reconciliation. Civil society organizations, human rights groups and community leaders can play an important role in facilitating dialogue and promoting understanding among various stakeholders.
  • Preventive measures: To prevent future incidents of violence and injustice, long-term measures such as awareness campaigns on gender-based violence, strengthening local grievance redressal mechanisms and enhancing women safety and empowerment initiatives should be given priority.
  • Monitoring: There should be continuous monitoring by independent bodies, including the National Commission for Women and human rights organizations, to ensure that justice is served and the rights of all individuals are protected.
  • Government Accountability: Ultimately, there must be accountability at all levels of government. Officials should be held accountable for their actions or inaction in resolving the crisis in Sandeshkhali. Transparent communication and regular updates on the progress of the investigation and actions taken will help maintain public confidence.

Conclusion:

  • The recent tension and violence due to women harassment in Sandeshkhali, West Bengal is very worrying. To restore democracy in the state, the state and central government should be impartial in this matter and take strict legal action against the culprits so that such incidents do not recur in the future.

Source: Indian Express

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Mains Exam Question:

Discuss the way forward to balance the causes and effects of “Sandeshkhali” violence in West Bengal.