Did NCW Respond to the Plea of Widows from Murshidabad Violence?
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Synopsis
The NCW's swift response to the plea from widows of victims of Murshidabad violence highlights the urgent need for justice and the protection of women's dignity amidst ongoing strife.
Key Takeaways
- NCW recognizes the widows' plea for justice.
- Allegations of police misconduct have emerged.
- Political involvement has heightened tensions.
- Women’s dignity must be prioritized in vulnerable situations.
- Legal actions are being pursued by the widows.
Kolkata, May 5 (NationPress) – The National Commission for Women (NCW) announced on Monday that it has swiftly recognized a plea from the widows of Hargobindo Das and Chandan Das, the father and son who lost their lives in Samserganj, Murshidabad district, West Bengal last month amid a tumultuous situation stemming from communal violence related to protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act.
The NCW's statement highlighted that the letter from the grieving widows, directed to Commission chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar, was not just a mere complaint, but a poignant plea for justice, articulated by two women who are now in hiding, burdened by their immense loss and fearful of the very system that should protect them.
One widow is the spouse of Hargobindo Das, while the other is the wife of Chandan Das; the two women are closely related as mother-in-law and daughter-in-law.
“In their letter, they claim that rather than receiving the justice they seek, they are facing intimidation. Instead of protection, they are allegedly encountering threats and pressure to attend a political gathering—an act they find profoundly insensitive to their mourning and contrary to their wishes. The letter recounts a disturbing incident where their temporary refuge in Kolkata was reportedly invaded by a large group of male police officers, who allegedly broke down doors, damaged property, and attempted to detain them—without any legal documentation, the presence of female officers, or consideration for their dignity,” the NCW statement indicated.
The NCW has also communicated that it has requested a prompt report from the West Bengal Director General of Police regarding the incident and an explanation of the police's actions in this case.
“The Commission has summoned the officials mentioned in the complaint to appear for a hearing on May 9, 2025, at 11:00 AM. Any infringement upon women’s dignity—especially during such vulnerable times—will not be tolerated,” the NCW statement emphasized.
The crux of the complaint lies in the abrupt police action that took place on Sunday night at a safe house in Salt Lake, located on the northern outskirts of Kolkata, where the family members of the deceased had sought refuge.
On that night, a team from Bidhannagar City Police reportedly arrived at the safe house, with family members accusing the police of breaking in and attempting to forcibly remove them.
However, upon notification, a group of BJP activists led by party councillor Sajal Ghosh and state leader Kaustav Bhattacharya arrived at the scene. Following a heated exchange between the police and the BJP representatives, the officers eventually departed.
The police denied any wrongdoing, stating their presence was to assist the family after receiving a complaint on Saturday evening alleging their abduction.
Nevertheless, the family members refuted the police's claims, insisting they had voluntarily sought shelter in the safe house. They further alleged that the police intended to remove them to present them at a meeting with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in Murshidabad against their will.
Earlier on the same day, the widows had filed a petition in the Calcutta High Court regarding police excesses.
Point of View
It is crucial that we uphold the principles of justice and compassion for those in vulnerable situations. The NCW’s actions serve as a reminder of the responsibility we have to protect the dignity of all individuals, particularly women facing trauma. We must advocate for a system that provides real protection rather than intimidation.
NationPress
21/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the NCW to take action?
The NCW acted upon receiving a plea from the widows of Hargobindo and Chandan Das, who were killed during recent communal violence, expressing their fears and seeking justice.
What allegations have the widows made against the police?
The widows allege that police officers forcibly entered their safe house without proper documentation and attempted to detain them, causing distress during their vulnerable time.
What steps has the NCW taken in this matter?
The NCW has demanded a report from the West Bengal police and summoned relevant officials for a hearing to address the situation.
How have political parties reacted to this incident?
BJP activists visited the scene in support of the widows, confronting the police and raising concerns about their actions.
What further actions are expected from the NCW?
The NCW is committed to ensuring that any violation of women's dignity is addressed and will continue to monitor the situation closely.
