Tensions in WB's Sandeshkhali area are flaring as police halted a fact-finding team led by former Chief Justice L Narasimha Reddy from reaching troubled area
Citing Section 144 CrPC, police barred the team's access to Sandeshkhali. Despite requests, including a proposal to split into smaller groups, the team was detained by authorities.
The committee, comprising eminent individuals from various fields including former IPS officer Raj Pal Singh and former National Commission for Women member Charu Wali Khanna, expressed frustration over their detention, labelling it as "illegal" and "undemocratic".
L Narasimha Reddy condemned the police action, asserting the team's right as law-abiding citizens to investigate human rights violations. He highlighted the need for civil society interaction with victims and criticised attempts to suppress such efforts.
The fact-finding team planned to probe not only the reported atrocities but also allegations of land grabbing by Trinamool Congress leaders for fish farming purposes. They aimed to submit a comprehensive report to constitutional authorities.
This incident follows a similar case where a BJP fact-finding team was also stopped from entering Sandeshkhali. The recurring pattern raises concerns about the transparency of investigations into reported incidents and the freedom of civil society to conduct inquiries.
While the West Bengal ministers visiting Sandeshkhali denied knowledge of the police action, tensions continue to simmer in the region. The arrest of ISF leader Ayesha Bibi adds to the complexity of the situation.
Both ruling and opposition parties have attempted fact-finding missions in Sandeshkhali.
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