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'Human rights violation': Local farmer 'severely torture' by BSF personnel

By Kirity Roy* 
An alarming incident has emerged from Panchberia, a village located along the Indo-Bangladesh border within the Bagdah police station jurisdiction of North 24 Parganas district. Hajrat Sheikh, a local farmer and the clerk (Mohurer) of the Bagdah Block Land and Land Reforms Office, was reportedly subjected to severe torture by Border Security Force (BSF) personnel. This incident raises significant concerns, violating Articles 21, 19, and 22 of the Indian Constitution. 
On the morning of August 20, 2024,  visited his agricultural land, which is situated behind barbed wire fencing near the Panchberia BSF camp. During this visit, he was confronted by the Panchberia Post Commander, who, according to witnesses, displayed erratic behavior attributed to intoxication while on duty. The BSF accused Hajrat of facilitating illegal crossings between India and Bangladesh through his land. 
Following this accusation, Hajrat was subjected to verbal abuse and threats before being compelled to enter the camp, where he endured physical assaults. Reports indicate he was beaten with batons, punched in the eyes and ears—resulting in a perforated eardrum and severe bruising. The assault escalated to him being thrown to the ground and kicked repeatedly, leading to broken ribs and near asphyxiation. 
After being released from custody, Hajrat sought immediate medical attention at Bagda hospital, subsequently consulting an ENT specialist for his ear injury and an orthopedic doctor for his rib injuries. The following day, on August 22, 2024, Hajrat reported a troubling incident where civic police from Bagdah police station forcibly entered his home around 2 a.m., exhibiting aggressive behavior and attempting to apprehend him. 
Despite his pleas due to his medical condition, the officers departed without further action. Notably, no female officers accompanied the four male constables during this midnight intrusion, violating established protocols, especially given Hajrat's wife was also present at the residence. 
The Bagdah police have alleged that Hajrat is involved in serious offenses related to illegal border crossings, believing their actions are justified. Hajrat was summoned for interrogation on August 23, 2024, and subsequently lodged formal complaints with the Superintendant of Police (S.P.) for the Bongaon District, as well as the Sub-Divisional Police Officer (S.D.P.O.) and the Officer in Charge (O.C.) of Bagdah Police Station, expressing fears for his safety and the possibility of false charges. 
Panchayat officials support BSF actions. Their complicity extends to enforcing curfews on a road vital for local commerce 
However, no concrete action appears to have been taken by these authorities. Moreover, the police provided Hajrat with a document indicating the registration of a case (Case No. 824, dated September 2, 2024), yet no details were shared regarding the nature of the complaint or the individuals involved. Notably, Hajrat's written complaint was sent to the relevant officials on August 23—weeks prior to the registration date cited by the police. 
Further investigation by our fact-finding team revealed that Hajrat continues to face threats from BSF personnel to retract his complaints. Local governance figures, including the Boyra Gram Panchayat Pradhan and the Up-Pradhan reportedly support the BSF’s actions and remain silent on the matter. This complicity extends to enforcing curfews on the IBBR road—vital for local commerce—only intensifying the discontent among villagers. 
This egregious violation of human rights underscores the need for urgent accountability within the security forces. 
To this end, we call upon the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to intervene promptly with the following recommendations: 
- A comprehensive investigation into the incident by the NHRC's investigative wing. 
- Immediate legal action against the BSF personnel and Bagdah police officers involved. 
- A cessation of the collusion between Gram Panchayat members and the BSF. 
- Protection for Hajrat Sheikh until proven guilty of any accusations.
--- 
*Secretary Banglar Manabadhikar Suraksha Mancha (MASUM). This report is based on the author's submission to the NHRC

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