Murshidabad Violence: NCW Form a Group to Investigate Women’s “Harassment”, Chairman Visits Affected Areas

Dhulian residents take refuge in a school in the Malda area. |Picture source: Debasish Bhaduri

A formal statement said the National Council of Women (NCW) constituted a committee of inquiry to investigate alleged harassment and displacement in the alleged community violence in the Mexidabad region of West Bengal.

It said NCW Chairman Vijaya Rahatkar has already made aware of the incident Sumo Motu and will visit the affected areas to assess the situation and meet with the victims.

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In protesting the amended WAQF Act, violence erupted in Murhidabad’s pockets, including Susi, Delian and Janjipur. At least three people were killed and several were injured in the violence.

In the Mandirpara area of ​​Dhulian, many women were allegedly harassed during the violence.

The commission said the violence forced hundreds of women to flee their homes, and many crossed the Bhagirathi River to seek asylum in the neighboring Malda area.

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Rahatkar quoted Rahatkar as saying: “The committee’s report on Murshidabad is deeply disturbed. Women are not only subject to violence, but are also forced to leave their homeland and dignity.”

She said the committee will ensure a thorough investigation and recommend future steps to prevent such atrocities.

The Commission stated that the Commission of Inquiry has the authority to regulate its own procedures, hold meetings at appropriate locations, and interact with stakeholders, including survivors, families and officials.

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Ms. Rahatka will be expected to arrive in Kolkata on the evening of April 17, accompanied by NCW member Archana Majumdar and Deputy Secretary Shivani Dey.

The committee will then travel to Marda on April 18 to interact with displaced women and their families and discuss with senior district officials, including local sheriffs and police stations.

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On April 19, the NCW team will visit the worst areas in Murshidabad, such as Shamsherganj and Jaffarabad, to meet the victims and local residents, the statement said.

It said the meeting with the Mershidabad Regional Administration also plans to understand the response and relief efforts of law enforcement.