The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) has sought reports from West Bengal Chief Secretary BP Gopalika and Director General of Police Rajeev Kumar on the crisis at Sandeshkhali in North 24 Parganas district over sexual harassment allegations levelled against Trinamool Congress leaders. The commission also informed the state government that its field inspection team would visit Sandeshkhali on Thursday. In a letter to the chief secretary and the DGP, the commission said that both would have to appear in front of the commission at New Delhi unless a detailed report on the Sandeshkhali issue was not received within the next 72 hours. The commission has sought details of action taken by the administration over the complaints of harassment. “Please take notice that in case the Commission does not receive reply from you within the stipulated time, the Commission may exercise the powers of Civil Courts conferred on it Under of Article 338A of the Constitution of India and issue summons for your appearance in person or by a representative before the Commission,” the commission said in the letter. The commission’s vice-chairperson and its team will visit Sandeshkhali on Thursday to gather firsthand information, interact with the affected people and understand their grievances. Rekha Sharma, chairperson of the National Commission for Women, recently said she had received 18 complaints from women, including two of rape, during her visit to Sandeshkhali. She demanded President’s rule in the area and resignation of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for “failing to stop atrocities on women”. Arun Halder, chairman of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes, had also sought President’s rule in the state.
