Murshidabad violence: West Bengal Police form nine-member SIT

IANS April 16, 2025 377 views

The West Bengal Police has established a specialized nine-member investigation team to probe the recent violent incidents in Murshidabad district. The National Commission for Women has simultaneously announced an inquiry committee to investigate allegations of women's molestation during the communal unrest. Victims' families have also filed a petition in Calcutta High Court requesting a National Investigation Agency probe into the matter. NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar will personally visit the affected regions to assess the situation and support the survivors.

"The violence has led to the exodus of hundreds of women" - NCW Statement
Kolkata, April 16: The West Bengal Police on Wednesday announced the constitution of a nine-member special investigation team (SIT) to probe the violence and riot-like situation in the minority-dominated Murshidabad district throughout almost the entire last week over protests against the Waqf Amendment Act becoming violent.

Key Points

1

Nine-member police SIT created to investigate Murshidabad district incidents

2

NCW forms inquiry committee to examine women's safety

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Calcutta High Court petition seeks NIA investigation

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Communal tensions erupted over Waqf Amendment Act protests

Also, the National Commission for Women (NCW), on Wednesday, announced the formation of an inquiry committee to investigate the violence.

The two announcements came on a day when a petition has already been filed at Calcutta High Court by some victim families of Murshidabad seeking a probe by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) into the violence. The hearing on the matter will be held on Thursday.

The nine-member SIT of the state police to probe the Murshidabad violence will be headed by an officer of the rank of additional superintendent of police, who will be assisted by two officers in the ranks of deputy superintendents of police and six inspector-ranking officers.

The SIT will have representations from various departments of state police namely Intelligence Branch, Counter Insurgency Force, Criminal Investigation Department, and Cyber Crime Division.

Meanwhile, in a statement issued on Wednesday, the NCW has announced that the decision to form its probe committee was taken after the commission took suo motu cognizance of reports of several women enduring horrific molestation during the communal unrest in the Mandirpara area of Dhulian, Murshidabad district.

“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,” the NCW statement read.

NCW chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar will personally visit the violence-hit regions, meet with survivors, and engage with relevant authorities to assess the situation.

“The committee will also include Dr. Archana Majumdar, Member of the NCW, and Dr. Shivani Dey, Deputy Secretary of the NCW, to support the inquiry and ensure a thorough investigation,” the NCW statement read.

Reader Comments

A
Amit K.
This is a step in the right direction. The SIT needs to work impartially and bring justice to the victims. The reports of women being targeted are especially disturbing. Hope the NCW committee can provide them proper support.
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Priya M.
Why does it always take so long to form these committees? People are suffering now and need immediate help. The administration should have acted faster to prevent this violence in the first place. 😔
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Rahul S.
The composition of the SIT looks good with officers from different departments. Hopefully the cyber crime division can track down those spreading hate speech online that fueled this violence.
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Sunita B.
As a woman from Bengal, I'm glad NCW is getting involved. The stories of women crossing rivers to escape violence are heartbreaking 💔 We need better protection for our sisters in vulnerable areas.
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Naresh P.
While I appreciate the state's efforts, I wonder if having NIA investigate would be better for impartiality. The high court petition makes sense given the seriousness of the situation.
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Tanvi R.
The mental trauma these women must be going through is unimaginable. Beyond just investigation, there needs to be long-term counseling and rehabilitation programs. Hope the committees address this too.

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Tags:
Murshidabad Violence West Bengal Police NCW Communal Unrest Waqf Amendment Act Vijaya Rahatkar
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