The National Commission for Women (NCW) Chairperson, Rekha Sharma, expressed dismay over the insensitive attitude of the West Bengal Director General of Police (DGP) Rajeev Kumar towards the Sandeshkhali incident during her visit to the state.
Sharma, who is in West Bengal to assess the situation in Sandeshkhali, revealed details of her meeting with the DGP on Tuesday, February 20. She lamented the lack of cooperation from the DGP, highlighting his abrupt termination of the meeting after receiving phone calls that seemingly altered his stance.
“It is significant that the DGP met me, considering it is my 8th-9th visit to West Bengal, and the DGP has never met me before. However, his attitude changed drastically after receiving one or two phone calls during our meeting. He seemed reluctant to take any action against TMC leader Sheikh Shah Jahan, despite our suggestion to replace all police officials in Sandeshkhali,” Sharma stated.
#WATCH | Kolkata, West Bengal | After meeting West Bengal DGP, NCW chairperson Rekha Sharma says, "It is huge that the DGP met me. I have come to West Bengal for the 8th-9th time, and the DGP never meets… The DGP agreed that the police have lacked… We suggested that all the… https://t.co/ZUpBoO80Xt pic.twitter.com/Nf4LqRjAX1
— ANI (@ANI) February 20, 2024
Sharma further criticised the DGP’s assertion that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) should arrest Shah Jahan instead of the police, emphasising the DGP’s apparent reluctance to pursue the matter. She speculated that the DGP’s hands might be tied due to external pressure, rendering him unable to act decisively.
Moreover, Sharma demanded the resignation of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee following her visit to Sandeshkhali on Monday, February 19. The area has been engulfed in unrest for over 10 days, with women protestors seeking justice against alleged atrocities committed by TMC leader Sheikh Shah Jahan and his aides.
The Supreme Court, meanwhile, declined to entertain a plea seeking a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation or Special Investigation Team (SIT) into the matter, noting that the Calcutta High Court had already taken cognizance of the issue. Advocate Alakh Alok Srivastava, the petitioner, withdrew the plea from the Supreme Court, with the court granting him liberty to approach the High Court.
In response to the escalating violence in Sandeshkhali, a ‘peace home’ was established at the Raj Bhavan in Kolkata on Monday to provide temporary refuge to the victims. Sandip Rajput, Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to Governor CV Ananda Bose, revealed that Governor Bose initiated the idea of the peace home after his recent visit to Sandeshkhali.
Adding to the developments, Trinamool Congress leader Shibu Hazra, an associate of TMC strongman Shah Jahan , was arrested earlier in connection with the Sandeshkhali violence and was subsequently remanded to police custody for eight days on Sunday.
The insensitive response of the West Bengal DGP towards the Sandeshkhali incident has sparked outrage, with stakeholders demanding accountability and swift action to address the grievances of the victims. As the situation unfolds, concerns persist over the safety and security of the affected individuals amidst ongoing unrest in the region.
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