Murshidabad violence: NCW forms panel to probe ‘molestation’ of women, chairperson to visit affected areas

Dhulian residents took refuge in a school in the Malda district. | Photo credit: Debash Bhaduri

The National Commission of Women (NCW) has constituted an investigation committee to investigate the alleged sexual abuse and displacement of women who convert the recent community violence in the Murshidabad district of the West Bengal, said an official statement on Wednesday (April 16, 2025).

He said that the president of the NCW, Vijaya Rahatkar, has taken his cognization of the SUO MOTU incident and visit the affected areas to evaluate the situation and meet with the victims.

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Violence broke out on April 11 and 12 in Murshidabad pockets, including Suti, Dhulian and Jangipur, duration protests against the WAQF modified law. At least three people died and several wounds in violence.

In Dhulian’s mandirpa area, numerous women supposedly abused violence.

Violence forced hundreds of women to flee their homes, and many crossed the Bhagirathi River to seek refuge in the neighboring district of Malda, the commission said.

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“The commission is deeply disturbed by the reports that emerge from Murshidabad. Women have not only suffered violence, but have also been forced to leave their homes and dignity behind,” said the statement citing Mrs. Rahatkar.

The Committee will guarantee an exhaustive investigation and recommend steps to avoid such atrocities in the future, he said.

The commission said that the Investigation Committee has the authority to regulate its own procedures, hold meetings in appropriation and interact with interested parties, including survivors, families and officials.

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Mrs. Rahatkar is expected to be accompanied by the NCW member, Archa Majumdar, and Undersecretary Shivani Dey arrives in Kolkata on the night of April 17, according to the statement.

Then, the committee will travel to Malda on April 18 to interact with displaced women and their families, and will maintain discussions with senior district officials, including the magistrate of the district and the police superintendent.

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On April 19, according to the statement, the NCW team will visit the worst coup areas in Murshidabad, such as Shamsherganj and Jaffarabad, to meet local victims and residents.

Meetings with the administration of the Murshidabad district are also scheduled to understand the response of the application of the law and the help efforts, he said.