In the aftermath of rape accusations against Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Shibu Prasad Hazra in Sandeshkhali, North 24-Parganas, a woman has reported a harrowing attack on her residence by individuals purportedly dressed in police attire. This incident unfolded on Saturday, February 17, just a day after the woman’s deposition before the magistrate of Basirhat court, wherein charges of gangrape and attempted murder were appended to the case against Hazra.
According to the complainant, who was not present at her residence during the assault, a group of men, allegedly intoxicated and clad in police uniforms, forcibly entered her home. They proceeded to threaten her family members and inflicted damage to the property, including creating a hole in the roof. The motive behind the attack, as per reports, stemmed from the woman’s previous complaint of sexual assault against Hazra.
In a statement to media, the woman recounted the horrifying ordeal, revealing her fears for the safety of her family amidst ongoing threats. She lamented the lack of protection provided by the authorities despite her earlier complaint, expressing a plea for dignity amid escalating tensions.
Subsequent to the attack, Shibu Prasad Hazra appeared before the Basirhat magistrate’s court on Sunday, where his bail plea was denied. He was remanded to police custody for eight days, with law enforcement citing the necessity of further interrogation to gather evidence, given Hazra’s purported influence.
The survivor detailed her alleged assault by Hazra and another TMC leader, Uttam Sardar, five months prior in the local party office during the recent unrest in Sandeshkhali. Despite the arrests of Sardar and Hazra, she voiced continued apprehension due to the apparent freedom enjoyed by their supporters.
As per police reports, a team visited the survivor’s residence to record her statement regarding the attack, although no formal complaint was lodged. Furthermore, authorities denied receiving any complaint pertaining to the incident.
The survivor’s deposition before the magistrate under Section 164 of the Code of Criminal Procedure prompted the expansion of charges against Hazra, including Sections 376D (gangrape) and 307 (attempt to murder). Addressing media inquiries, West Bengal Director General of Police Rajeev Kumar affirmed the inclusion of rape allegations in the First Information Report (FIR), following the woman’s formal statement.
The unfolding events underscore the gravity of the situation, shedding light on the challenges faced by survivors of sexual violence and the imperative for robust legal mechanisms to ensure justice and protection.
Sandeshkhali Horror
Since January, tensions have surged in Sandeshkhali following protests by local women demanding the arrest of Sheikh Shahjahan and his associates, Uttam Sardar and Shibu Prasad Hazra. The women have accused them of forcibly seizing land, flooding fields with saltwater to render them infertile, and perpetrating systematic sexual harassment.
On February 8, hundreds of women in Sandeshkhali took to the streets in a demonstration against land grabs, unpaid wages, and sexual violence allegedly committed by Sheikh Shahjahan and his accomplices. While TMC leader Shibu Prasad Hazra was arrested on February 17 for land grabbing and sexual exploitation, the primary accused, Sheikh Shahjahan, remains at large.
The National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC), following its visit to Sandeshkhali, submitted a report on February 16 recommending the imposition of President’s rule in West Bengal due to rampant lawlessness. The report was presented to President Droupadi Murmu, and NCSC Chairperson Arun Halder met with her to discuss the matter.
Halder disclosed that the President assured the NCSC team of action following their investigation. However, during their attempt to meet with sexual assault victims in Sandeshkhali, the NCSC team allegedly faced misconduct from several police officials.
