NCW Delegation Arrives in West Bengal Today to Assess Violence-Affected Areas and Meet Victims
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Synopsis
A delegation from the National Commission for Women (NCW) is arriving in West Bengal to visit areas affected by recent violence, engaging directly with victims. The team will investigate the situation, particularly in Murshidabad, where significant unrest occurred over the Waqf Amendment Act.
Key Takeaways
- NCW delegation visiting West Bengal violence-affected areas.
- Personal meeting with victims by NCW Chairperson.
- Investigation into Murshidabad unrest due to Waqf Amendment Act.
- Over 200 arrests made in connection with the violence.
- SIT formed to probe the riot-like conditions.
Kolkata, April 17 (NationPress) A delegation from the National Commission for Women (NCW) is set to explore areas in West Bengal that have been affected by violence, interacting with the victims.
The team will touch down in Kolkata on Thursday evening before heading to Malda on April 18 and Murshidabad on April 19.
The NCW's enquiry committee aims to investigate the recent disturbances in Murshidabad, where NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar will personally engage with the victims in the impacted regions.
Last week, numerous locations in the district experienced violent protests concerning the newly enacted Waqf (Amendment) Act.
According to a senior state police official, the total number of individuals apprehended in relation to the unrest in Murshidabad has surpassed 200.
On Wednesday, the West Bengal Police announced the formation of a nine-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to examine the violence and unrest that plagued the minority-majority Murshidabad district over the past week due to protests against the Waqf Amendment Act.
In response to reports of several women experiencing molestation during the communal discord in the Mandirpara region of Dhulian, Murshidabad district, the NCW declared the establishment of an enquiry committee.
“The violence has forced hundreds of women to flee their homes, many of whom sought safety by crossing the Bhagirathi River into the neighboring district of Malda. These women face trauma and uncertainty, having been uprooted from their homes,” the NCW statement indicated.
“The committee will also comprise Dr. Archana Majumdar, NCW member, and Dr. Shivani Dey, Deputy Secretary of the NCW, to aid in the inquiry and guarantee a comprehensive investigation,” the NCW statement elaborated.
Meanwhile, the SIT will be led by an additional superintendent of police, supported by two deputy superintendents and six inspectors from various divisions, including the Intelligence Branch, Counter Insurgency Force, Criminal Investigation Department, and Cyber Crime Division.
The announcements coincide with a petition filed in the Calcutta High Court by victim families from Murshidabad, requesting an investigation by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) into the violence, with the hearing scheduled for Thursday.
