NEW DELHI: The Concerned Citizens Forum has approached the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) seeking urgent intervention in the RG Kar rape and murder case and the recent incidents of police brutality in West Bengal. The forum has highlighted alarming issues of human rights violations and has called for immediate action.
In a letter addressed to the NHRC, the forum underscored the shocking rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor at a state-run hospital in West Bengal. “The brutal rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor at a state-run hospital in West Bengal have ignited widespread outrage across the nation,” the letter states. The incident has raised serious concerns about women’s safety in a state governed by a female chief minister.
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The forum also condemned the police response to peaceful protests organized by student groups and political activists. On August 27, 2024, a peaceful rally, ‘Nabanna Abhijan,’ was violently disrupted by the police. “Despite the protestors marching peacefully with national flags and no political affiliations, police officials, following political directives, began lathi charges and used tear gas and water cannons on the demonstrators,” the letter reads.
Further violence occurred on August 28, 2024, when police clashed with Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) supporters during a Bandh. “The police not only beat protestors but also collaborated with miscreants who pelted stones and caused injuries,” the forum claims. Incidents of police brutality include the shooting of Priyangu Pandey and the beating of Phalguni Patra by male police officers.
Videos and photographs documenting the violence have been shared with the NHRC, underscoring the severe mistreatment of peaceful protestors. The letter asserts:
“By mercilessly beating peaceful students and protestors, the fundamental rights guaranteed under Articles 19 and 21 of the Constitution have been violated. The police’s actions represent a blatant abuse of power and a direct assault on the right to protest and live with dignity.”
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Addressing the media, a spokesperson from the forum stated, “We have MPs from West Bengal, senior Supreme Court advocates, a senior member of the National Commission of Women and former IPS officers in our delegation. We have met with the full NHRC commission to present our concerns. We have requested that a team be dispatched to West Bengal within 48 hours to address these issues and ensure legal action is taken.”
The signatures of the following members were present in the document:
1. Rajpal Singh
2. Charu Walikhanna
3. Sanjay Poddar
4. C Mohan Rao
5. KS Bose and
6. Saumitra Khan
The NHRC has reportedly assured that it will act within 48 hours to uphold human rights in accordance with its mandate. The Concerned Citizens Forum has also urged the NHRC to issue a show-cause notice to the West Bengal Director General of Police and ensure that victims receive adequate compensation.
As the situation in West Bengal continues to unfold, the forum’s appeal highlights growing concerns about the safety of citizens and the integrity of law enforcement in the state.