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Updated 17:09 IST, February 20th 2024

#MamataVsManush: NHRC Issues Notice to TMC Govt Over Republic Reporter Arrest

Sandeshkhali Horror: NHRC Issues Notice to Mamata Govt Over Gross Human Rights Violation

Reported by: Digital Desk
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Sandeshkhali LIVE: Republic Bangla reporters Santu Pan, Arnab Majumdar heckled at Ferryghat in Sandeshkhali.
Sandeshkhali LIVE: Republic Bangla reporters Santu Pan, Arnab Majumdar heckled at Ferryghat in Sandeshkhali. | Image: Republic Digital

North 24 Parganas: In a letter to the Director General of Police (DGP), West Bengal, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Tuesday raised severe concern over the gross human rights violation in connection with the arrest of Republic Bangla reporter Santu Pal in Sandeshkhali. Calling the detention as “restriction of freedom of press”, the NHRC issued a notice to Bengal's DGP, directing him to submit a report in the matter within two weeks. “Simultaneously, the DIG (Investigation) is directed to find out the facts on telephone and submit his finds to the Commission within a week.”

Meanwhile, Mamata Banerjee has sought a 10-day police custody of Republic Bangla reporter Santu Pal. In a complaint to NHRC, Santu Pal's wife has claimed that her husband who was covering the horrific incidents in Sandeshkhali “was unlawfully detained. The victim was encircled by the police, physically assaulted and forcefully taken into illegal custody without prior notice. The complainant has no access to the victim. The complainant submits that she is concerned about the well-being of her husband.”

Issuing the notice, the NHRC has also noted the observation of the Supreme Court in a recent case that "An independent press is vital for the robust functioning of a democratic republic. Its role in a democratic society is crucial for it shines a light on the functioning of the State. The press has a duty to speak truth to power, and present citizens with hard facts enabling them to make choices that propel democracy in the right direction. The restriction on the freedom of the press compels citizens to think along the same tangent. A homogenized view on issues that range from socio-economic policy to political ideologies would pose grave dangers to democracy."

Published 16:02 IST, February 20th 2024