MASUM submits complaint to NHRC on alleged human rights violations by BSF personnel

By A Representative 

The Banglar Manabadhikar Suraksha Mancha (MASUM) has submitted a formal complaint to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) regarding an alleged incident of human rights violation involving personnel of the Border Security Force (BSF). The complaint highlights the physical assault, communal bias, and threats faced by Rustam Sahaji, a 35-year-old resident of Hakimpur village in North 24 Parganas, West Bengal.

On 3 March 2025, Rustam Sahaji was reportedly stopped by BSF personnel while attempting to cultivate paddy near the India-Bangladesh border. According to the complaint, a BSF personnel named Pal Babu of Bithari BOP, 143 Battalion, conducted an unauthorized and inappropriate body search. The complaint also alleges physical assault, threats of false legal framing under the NDPS Act, and intimidation through communal comments.

Witnesses intervened during the assault, but the alleged perpetrator continued to intimidate Rustam Sahaji, and a senior BSF officer later attempted to resolve the matter informally. MASUM has raised concerns about the inaction of Swarupnagar Police and the Basirhat Superintendent of Police, despite receiving complaints from the victim.

Additionally, MASUM has criticized the conduct of the medical officer at Sarapul Rural Hospital, who allegedly avoided recording key details in the injury report under pressure. The organization emphasized the importance of adhering to established medical norms for injury documentation as outlined by national and international standards.

The complaint references multiple legal violations under the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and seeks urgent intervention from the NHRC to initiate an impartial investigation into the incident and address systemic failures by local authorities. It also calls for measures to prevent further human rights violations by security forces.

MASUM has requested accountability for all parties involved, including BSF personnel, local police, and the medical officer, to ensure justice for the victim and safeguard human rights.