NCW chairperson Rekha Sharma leads delegation to Kolkata amidst unrest in Sandeshkhali
Times of India | 19 February 2024
KOLKATA: A delegation led by the National Commission for Women (NCW) chairperson Rekha Sharma has left for Kolkata ahead of her Sandeshkhali visit. The area has been witnessing unrest for over 10 days as women protestors seek justice against alleged atrocities committed by TMC leader Sheikh Shajahan and his aides.
Speaking to ANI, the NCW chief expressed her concern about the injustice done to women and her intention to visit every street and talk to the women to assure them of her support. During her visit, she plans to meet the governor of West Bengal and later meet President Droupadi Murmu.
Rekha Sharma stated, "Very disturbing news is coming from Sandeshkhali. My member went to investigate but could not meet many victims due to the police. So I am going. I have spoken to the victims, and I want them to get full justice. So I will go myself. I will meet the directorate general of police and the local police there. A lot of injustice has been done to women, and I want to go to every street and talk to all the women and assure them that I stand with them so that they can have the courage to come forward and speak up. I will also take action and meet the governor. When I come back, I would like to meet the President."
Meanwhile, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla criticized West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee for her handling of the situation in Sandeshkhali. Poonawalla expressed his disappointment with Banerjee's statements, calling them insulting and obnoxious. He highlighted the need for justice for the women who have been victims of sexual assault and criticized the police for their partisan behavior.
Poonawalla also questioned the silence of Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi as well as the INDIA bloc on the Sandeshkhali incident. He emphasized the importance of speaking out on women's rights and empowerment.
In the Supreme Court, a plea has been filed seeking the transfer of investigation and subsequent trial outside West Bengal in connection with the alleged sexual assault on women living in Sandeshkhali village. The matter will be heard by a bench of justices BV Nagarathna and Augustine George Masih.Explore Your Financial Landscape with Personalized Credit Insights.