NCST team receives 23 complaints from locals in Sandeshkhali

The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) visited Sandeshkhali in West Bengal’s North 24 Parganas district and received 23 complaints from the local people. The team, led by NCST Vice-Chairman Ananta Nayek, will submit a report to President Draupadi Murmu detailing the findings. The majority of the complaints were against a local political leader, but the team did not disclose any specifics during their inspection.

During the day-long inspection, the NCST team interacted with the local people, particularly the women who have been protesting alleged sexual harassment by a local Trinamool Congress leader and his aides for over two weeks. The NCST had previously sent notices to Chief Secretary B.P. Gopalika and acting DGP Rajeev Kumar, demanding an action taken report on the unrest in Sandeshkhali within 72 hours.

In addition to the NCST, four other national commissions have intervened in the Sandeshkhali matter, including the National Human Rights Commission, National Commission for Scheduled Castes, National Commission for Women, and the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights. The chairpersons of the NCW and NCSC have recommended President’s Rule, considering the seriousness of the complaints from the women in Sandeshkhali. The findings and recommendations of the NCST team’s report will be crucial in determining the course of action in response to the troubling situation in Sandeshkhali.

Overall, the NCST team’s visit to Sandeshkhali has brought attention to the significant concerns raised by the local people, particularly the women, amidst the ongoing unrest in the area. The complaints against the local political leader and the findings from the inspection will play a crucial role in addressing the issues and determining the appropriate course of action moving forward. The involvement of multiple national commissions and the potential recommendation of President’s Rule underscore the gravity of the situation and the necessity for swift and effective resolution.