The National Commission for Women (NCW) has taken suo motu cognizance of the recent violence that broke out in West Bengal’s Murshidabad and has formed a four-member inquiry committee to probe the matter. NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar will also visit the strife-hit areas and meet those affected.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the Commission said, “NCW is taking serious note of the deeply troubling incident in West Bengal… The violence has led to the exodus of hundreds of women, many of whom were forced to cross the Bhagirathi River in search of safety, seeking refuge in the nearby district of Malda. These women have been torn from their homes, living in fear and uncertainty, facing unimaginable trauma and loss.”

Three people lost their lives and several others were injured in the violence that rocked Suti, Dhulian, Shamsherganj, and Jangipur areas of Murshidabad since last Friday afternoon in the wake of the new Waqf legislation. So far, 221 people have been arrested in connection with the violence.

The inquiry committee, which also includes NCW Deputy Secretary Dr Shivani Dey and member Dr Archana Majumdar, will arrive in Kolkata on the evening of April 17 and proceed to Malda on April 18 to meet the affected women and the families displaced by the violence in Murshidabad.

On April 19, the panel will visit the violence-hit areas in Murshidabad, including Shamsherganj and Jafrabad. In Malda and Murshidabad, the team will hold meetings with the respective superintendents of police and the district magistrates, besides other relevant authorities.

The committee will investigate the circumstances that led to the violence and evaluate the response of the concerned authorities. It will also use the information obtained to suggest remedial measures in a bid to prevent the recurrence of such incidents.

On Tuesday, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) informed that they will send a team from its investigation division to conduct a spot inquiry, given the seriousness of the matter. As per sources, the inquiry report would be submitted within three weeks.