Sandeshkhali: Sheikh Shahjahan tortured tribals, took MNREGA wages forcibly, says NCST panel

The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) report has painted a disturbing picture of exploitation and intimidation, particularly against marginalized tribal communities in West Bengal's Sandeshkhali. The probe, led by NCST Vice-Chairperson Ananta Nayak, uncovered a series of shocking allegations against Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Sheikh Shahjahan and his associates, who are accused of land grab and sexual assault and are currently absconding.

Shri Ananta Nayak, Hon’ble Vice Chairperson (Acting), NCST receiving Petitions during Commission Visit to Sandeshkhali, 24 Parganas, West Bengal on 22.02.2024. #NCST @Anantanayak_ @PIB_India @PIBKolkata @MundaArjun @PMOIndia@PIBTribal pic.twitter.com/RSzBoifRT8

— National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (@ncsthq) February 24, 2024

According to complainants, Shahjahan and his associates are engaged in a systematic pattern of abuse, targeting vulnerable families. This included forcibly taking away their MNREGA wages, even forcing them to borrow money if they had already spent their earnings. Those who dared to vote for parties other than the TMC allegedly faced torture and intimidation. Women were reportedly summoned for meetings late at night, and their families were harassed if they refused to comply.

Shri Ananta Nayak, Hon’ble Vice Chairperson (Acting), NCST visited Sandeshkhali, West Bengal on 22.02.2024 to investigate atrocities on Scheduled Tribe Women and Tribal land alienation issues. #NCST @Anantanayak_ @PIB_India @PIBKolkata @MundaArjun @PMOIndia@PIBTribal pic.twitter.com/yuVJUwDtUa

— National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (@ncsthq) February 23, 2024

"The NCST team learned that Shahjahan would instruct poor tribal people to give him their MNREGA earnings. And in case they had already exhausted it, he would ask them to borrow money from lenders and give it to him," the NCST vice-chairperson said.

'Not seen anything like this,' says NCST vice-chairperson

Shahjahan is also accused of seizing land from over a thousand tribal and non-tribal families, retaliating with saltwater release in their fields if they dared to protest. Complainants further alleged that the local police turned a blind eye to these atrocities, failing to register their complaints and instead pressuring them to negotiate with Shahjahan.

Nayak, expressing his horror at the extent of the allegations, stated that he had "not seen anything like this across the country." The NCST has received over 50 complaints related to sexual harassment, land grabbing, and other illegal activities perpetrated by Shahjahan and his associates.

NCST issues immediate action 

Following their investigation, the NCST has issued notices to the West Bengal Chief Secretary and Police Head, demanding immediate action and factual reports within three days. The report compiled by the probe team will be submitted to the government soon.

The reports from NCST add fuel to the ongoing protests against Shahjahan and his alleged reign of terror in Sandeshkhali. The NCST's findings expose serious concerns about the safety and well-being of marginalized communities in the region and demand swift and decisive action from the authorities.