NCST visits Sandeshkhali; BJP steps up attacks on Trinamool Congress

Kolkata: The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) visited Sandeshkhali on Thursday and spoke to the women victims who were allegedly assaulted and tortured. Meanwhile, the BJP has launched an all-out attack on the Trinamool with the party releasing a 20-minute documentary titled 'The Truth of Sandeshkhali' on its 'X' handle.

BJP state president Sukanta Majumdar started a dharna on Thursday in front of the Sandeshkhali police station demanding the arrest of absconding Trinamool leader Sheikh Shahjahan.

Commission Vice-Chairman Anant Nayak said he has received more than 30 complaints. "We will collate information based on what people told us and submit our report to the President".


Meanwhile, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Wednesday took suo motu cognizance of media reports on unabated human rights violations due to the continued violence in Sandeshkhali. NHRC said it would send a special team to Sandeshkhali to delve into the allegations of sexual violence and land grabbing.

STATE STEPS INTO ACTION
DGP Rajeev Kumar said on Thursday that police will listen to the complaints of all individuals in Sandeshkhali. He stayed in Sandeshkhali overnight to assess the situation in the troubled areas.

"It is our responsibility to ensure the well-being of the people. If there is any incident regarding land grabbing, we will take strict action against those found guilty. If people are found involved in torturing, we will take appropriate action against them," Kumar said on Thursday morning. Following the allegations of land grabbing, the state government has started assessing the lands and the process of returning it to people has started.