Gross human rights violation alleged in border area off Bangladesh: Investigation sought

By Kirity Roy*

A recent incident in Cooch Behar, West Bengal, raises serious concerns about human rights violations allegedly perpetrated by Border Security Force (BSF) personnel. The case involves Saiful Sekh, a 31-year-old farmer and resident of Khisaber Kuthi, who was allegedly subjected to illegal detention and inhumane treatment.

Incident Overview

On the morning of December 24, 2024, Sekh was reportedly detained by plainclothes BSF personnel while at Chudhurihat Bazar, over a kilometer from the international border. Witnesses, including elected Gram Panchayat members, claimed that Sekh was apprehended without cause, subjected to physical violence, and subsequently transported in a vehicle by BSF personnel.

According to a fact-finding report, Sekh endured severe physical torture, including beatings, electric shocks, and scalding. Medical reports from Bamanhat Block Primary Health Center corroborate the injuries, noting burns, bruises, and other trauma.

Legal Concerns

The detention and subsequent treatment of Sekh appear to violate several legal and constitutional safeguards:

1. Lack of Proper Arrest Procedures: No arrest memo or inspection memo was issued at the time of Sekh's apprehension, and his family was not informed, contravening established legal protocols.

2. Delayed Judicial Process: Sekh was not presented before a court within 24 hours, as mandated by law.

3. Torture Allegations: The reported use of torture in custody violates fundamental rights under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution and international human rights treaties to which India is a party.

Witness Accounts and Police Inaction

Eyewitnesses have corroborated the allegations of violence, stating that the incident occurred publicly and with apparent impunity. Despite complaints filed by Sekh's wife with local police and grievance cells, no action has reportedly been taken against the accused BSF personnel.

Broader Implications

This case highlights a troubling pattern of alleged abuse in border areas, raising questions about the accountability of law enforcement and paramilitary forces. As India approaches eight decades of independence, incidents like these underscore the need for systemic reforms to uphold the principles of democracy and human rights.

Demands for Action

In light of these allegations, the following actions are imperative:

1. Independent Investigation: A thorough and impartial inquiry, independent of local law enforcement, is necessary to establish the facts.

2. Accountability: The BSF personnel involved must be held accountable through appropriate legal proceedings.

3. Victim Support: Sekh and his family should receive adequate compensation, medical care, and protection.

4. Policy Reforms: Systemic changes, including sensitization programs for BSF personnel, are essential to prevent future violations.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle to safeguard human rights in India. Upholding the dignity and safety of every citizen is not just a legal obligation but a moral imperative. It is hoped that the concerned authorities will take swift and decisive action to ensure justice in this case.

The National Human Rights Commission has been urged to investigate the matter further.

---

*Secretary, Banglar Manabadhikar Suraksha Mancha (MASUM); National Convenor, Programme Against Custodial Torture & Impunity (PACTI)

Comments

King Corona and his descendents: How long will the Dynasty last?

By Dr Amitav Banerjee, MD* “Corona ” is in the media once again, precipitating a déjà-vu feeling and some amount of panic among the people. Among viruses and microorganisms King Corona and its descendents enjoy Royalty Status. "What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet." This classic quote from Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet is well known. But does it hold well in current times? The events during the past five years challenge the Bard's view.

India’s 2021 excess deaths: was it the virus — or the containment frenzy?

By Bhaskaran Raman* Tyagu (name changed), a vegetable vendor recalls of his brother’s death in 2021. The victim had a normal fever, but was forcibly taken away to the hospital saying that it was Covid. He had been coerced into taking the Covid-19 “vaccines” by that time. After 10 days in hospital, he died. There was no proper information during his hospital stay, and no one was allowed to visit, saying that visitors could also get Covid.

Old bias, new excuses: How western media misrepresents India’s anti-terror strikes

By Gajanan Khergamker The recent Indian military strikes on Pakistan, dubbed Operation Sindoor, have sparked a storm of international media coverage. Several prominent outlets have portrayed India as the aggressor in the escalating conflict, raising concerns over biased reporting. This commentary critiques coverage by foreign media outlets such as The New York Times , Reuters, BBC, and CNN, which have often been accused of framing India’s actions as escalatory while downplaying or omitting critical context regarding Pakistan’s role in fostering terrorism. By examining historical patterns and current geopolitical dynamics, this analysis highlights the recurring selective framing, omission of evidence, and a tendency to favor narratives aligned with Western geopolitical interests over factual nuance.

जैविक जीवित संसाधनों व प्रकृति पर निर्भर मजदूरों की व्यापक आर्थिक सुरक्षा कैसे हो?

- राज कुमार सिन्हा* भारत में 60 करोड़ से अधिक लोग भूमि, जल, जंगल और समुद्र जैसे प्राकृतिक स्रोतों पर निर्भर हैं । देश में 14.6 करोड़ छोटे और सीमांत किसान, 14.4 करोड़ खेतिहर मजदूर ( बड़ी संख्या में दलित हैं), 27.5 करोड़ वन निवासी, 2.8 करोड़ मछुआरे, 1.3 करोड़ पशुपालक और 1.7 करोड़ कारीगर हैं जो सीधे तौर पर प्रकृति के साथ और प्रकृति के भरोसे काम कर रहे हैं । लगभग 6 करोड़ मौसमी मजदूर हैं जो काम के सिलसिले में लगातार अपने गांव से बाहर जाते हैं और लौटते हैं। प्रकृति निर्भर समुदायों की आर्थिक गतिविधियां जो बड़े पैमाने पर जीवन निर्वाह और छोटी आय के लिए है। वर्तमान आर्थिक नीतियों के कारण, जो कॉर्पोरेट्स और बड़े व्यवसायों का समर्थन करती है, प्रकृति निर्भर समुदाय के लिए अव्यवहारिक होती जा रही है।

राजस्थान, मध्यप्रदेश, पश्चिम बंगाल, झारखंड और केरल फिसड्डी: जल जीवन मिशन के लक्ष्य को पाने समन्वित प्रयास जरूरी

- राज कुमार सिन्हा* जल संसाधन से जुड़ी स्थायी समिति ने वर्तमान लोकसभा सत्र में पेश रिपोर्ट में बताया है कि "नल से जल" मिशन में राजस्थान, मध्यप्रदेश, पश्चिम बंगाल, झारखंड और केरल फिसड्डी साबित हुए हैं। जबकि देश के 11 राज्यों में शत-प्रतिशत ग्रामीणों को नल से जल आपूर्ति शुरू कर दी गई है। रिपोर्ट में समिति ने केंद्र सरकार को सिफारिश की है कि मिशन पुरा करने में राज्य सरकारों की समस्याओं पर गौर किया जाए।

Crying air, water, and earth: A call to conserve our dying natural resources

By Dr. Gurinder Kaur* Air, water, and earth—these natural resources are essential for the survival of all living beings, including humans, animals, and plants. Life in any form is impossible without them. These are precious gifts of nature to humankind. However, in the pursuit of economic growth, modern humans have severely polluted these valuable resources in an attempt to satisfy their greed.

21-day security operation targets Maoist presence, prompts questions on civil impact

By Harsh Thakor* Union Home Minister Amit Shah has described a recent counter-insurgency operation along the Chhattisgarh-Telangana border as a significant achievement for Indian security forces in their efforts against Maoist groups. The three-week-long operation in the Karreguttalu Hills reportedly resulted in the deaths of 31 individuals identified as members of Maoist formations.

Civil society group voices concern over government response to Pahalgam attack

By A Representative Citizens for Democracy (CFD), a civil society group, has expressed serious concern over the government's response to the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. While unequivocally condemning the violence, CFD raised alarm about what it sees as an excessive and politically motivated reaction by the authorities. CFD acknowledged the widespread condemnation of the attack from all sections of society, including strong protests led by local Kashmiri Muslims. However, it criticized the government for failing to provide a transparent account of the security lapses that allowed the attack to occur. It also noted the absence of a clear plan for accountability or a high-level inquiry into the incident. The group questioned the initiation of Operation Sindoor, describing it as a move driven more by domestic political considerations than strategic necessity. CFD warned that such military actions risk long-term instability and divert attention from peaceful an...

Chicago varsity adds Ambedkar’s writings to library, strengthens global academic access

By A Representative The University of Chicago has accepted 20 volumes of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar's Writings and Speeches (BAWS) at the Harper Library on May 15, 2025. This historic donation, facilitated by the Ambedkar Association of North America ( AANA ), marks a significant milestone for Ambedkarite communities across the USA and Canada, furthering their mission of promoting Dr. Ambedkar’s legacy and advancing educational accessibility.

Search This Blog