Kolkata, April 17: In response to reports of violence, molestation, and displacement of women during recent unrest in Murshidabad district, the National Commission for Women (NCW) has announced a high-level probe. NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar will personally visit the affected areas, meet victims, and lead the enquiry into the communal violence linked to protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act.
The NCW delegation will arrive in Kolkata on Thursday evening, before proceeding to Malda on April 18 and Murshidabad on April 19, where they will assess the situation on the ground and interact with survivors of the violence.
The Commission's action comes after it took suo motu cognizance of disturbing reports from Mandirpara area of Dhulian, where several women were allegedly molested and forced to flee their homes. Many victims reportedly crossed the Bhagirathi River in a desperate search for safety, seeking shelter in neighboring Malda district.
“These women have been torn from their homes, living in fear and uncertainty, facing unimaginable trauma and loss,” the NCW said in an official statement.
The NCW’s enquiry committee will include Dr. Archana Majumdar, Member of the NCW, and Dr. Shivani Dey, Deputy Secretary, ensuring a detailed and sensitive investigation into the gender-specific aspects of the violence.
In a parallel development, the West Bengal Police on Wednesday constituted a nine-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the riots that shook Murshidabad last week. Over 200 arrests have been made so far in connection with the violence, which broke out in minority-dominated areas during protests.
(This story is published from a syndicated feed)