The report was prepared after the NHRC took suo motu cognizance of allegations of sexual harassment of women and farm encroachment levelled against former TMC leader Sheikh Shahjahan and his aides.

The Commission has made several recommendations and sought an action-taken report (ATR) from the state government within eight weeks of the release of the report.

“It is the duty of the district authorities to take consistent measures to instil confidence in the residents of the area in general and victims in particular so that others who have been victims of crimes may come forward and file their complaints,” the NHRC report read.

The NHRC has also asked the state to provide the requisite protection to witnesses.

“Counselling and rehabilitation of victims of sexual offences, return of the land to the legitimate owners, impartial investigation of complaints by Central agencies, initiating awareness programmes must be done to ensure victims get the confidence to live without fear,” the report stated.

The NHRC has also suggested that the Nationwide Emergency Response System (NERS) guidelines of the MHA be implemented to maintain a record of complaints and establish accountability of police officials.

“It is recommended that the administration should aid farmers in regaining soil fertility, regenerating and maintaining native vegetation and employing sustainable farm practices. The farmers should also be provided institutional support to market their products, encouraged to diversify, and form cooperatives to get cheaper credit and other benefits from government schemes,” the Commission has recommended.

Sandeshkhali is part of the Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a region with an extremely rich diversity of aquatic and terrestrial flora and fauna.