‘People shared harrowing experiences’: Scheduled Castes panel chief after visiting Sandeshkhali

Kolkata, February 15

National Commission for Scheduled Castes Chairman Arun Halder said today that people of Sandeshkhali shared their “harrowing experience” with members of the panel who visited the place in West Bengal’s North 24 Parganas district.

All necessary action being taken: Mamata

Kolkata: West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee on Thursday accused the BJP of fomenting trouble in restive Sandeshkhali and asserted that all necessary action had been taken to restore peace in the area. PTI

Sandeshkhali has been witnessing protests over alleged atrocities on locals by ruling TMC leaders.

Led by Halder, the team members spoke to residents of the area, which is predominantly inhabited by people belonging to SC and other backward communities. “We spoke to various people who spoke of the harrowing experiences they faced,” Halder said.

He also accused the district administration of non-cooperation. “When I informed the district administration about our proposed visit, we were asked not to go as the law and order situation there is very fragile. However, we stuck to the decision of paying the visit,” Halder told reporters.

Meanwhile, the National Commission for Women , in its fact-finding report, said it had gathered disturbing testimonies from women of widespread fear and systematic abuse by both police officers and members of the Trinamool Congress.