PM Modi's Upcoming Bengal Visit Includes Key Meeting With Sandeshkhali Women: Report

Amid the escalating political tensions in West Bengal over the Sandeshkhali issue, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is reportedly expected to meet with several women from the island.

These women have accused leaders of ruling Trinamool Congress of sexual harassment and extortion.

The Prime Minister's meeting with the women from Sandeshkhali is set for 6 March, coinciding with his visit to Bengal for a key meeting of the BJP's women's wing ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, NDTV reported citing sources.

Sandeshkhali, an island in the North 24 Parganas district of Bengal, has gained national attention following allegations by the BJP that local Trinamool leaders have been involved in the sexual harassment of women in the area.

Also Read: West Bengal: Calcutta High Court Grants Bail To Republic Bangla Journalist Arrested In Sandeshkhali

The BJP, which is the main opposition in Bengal, has levelled accusations against the Mamata Banerjee-led government for allegedly attempting to suppress the issue and shielding TMC leader Sheikh Shahjahan.

The Trinamool chief has responded by accusing the BJP of instigating unrest on the island.

These accusations have also led to investigations by the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).

The commission for Scheduled Tribes made a visit to the island today, and the NHRC has announced plans to send a team to gather factual information.

The NHRC on Wednesday (21 February) said that it has taken suo motu cognisance of media reports on unabated human rights violations due to violence in West Bengal's Sandeshkhali.

Citing media reports that in Sandeshkhali, innocent and impoverished women have been harassed and sexually assaulted by the local gang of a politician, and the villagers have been demanding appropriate legal action against the perpetrators, the human rights watchdog has issued notices to the West Bengal chief secretary and Director General of Police (DGP) and sought reports within four weeks.

Also Read: Sandeshkhali Violence: NHRC Takes Suo Motu Cognisance Of Human Rights Violations, Seeks Reports From West Bengal Chief Secretary, DGP