Farmer 'stripped, assaulted' by BSF jawan in West Bengal border village: Rights group urges NHRC to act

By A Representative

A disturbing incident of alleged custodial torture and public humiliation has been brought to the attention of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) by a leading human rights group, Banglar Manabadhikar Suraksha Mancha (MASUM), involving a Muslim farmer in a border village of West Bengal.

In a formal complaint, Kirity Roy, Secretary of MASUM and National Convenor of the Programme Against Custodial Torture & Impunity (PACTI), has urged the NHRC to take urgent action following an incident that occurred on the morning of June 12, 2025, in Hakimpur village near the India–Bangladesh border under Swarupnagar police station, North 24 Parganas district.

According to the complaint, 38-year-old Jahar Ali Gazi, a resident of Hakimpur Uttar Para, was on his way to his field in Kadamtala Math around 7:30 am when he was stopped by an on-duty Border Security Force (BSF) jawan near the 7 No. Outpost of Hakimpur Border Outpost (143 Battalion). The location of the incident was approximately one kilometre inside Indian territory.

The jawan allegedly interrogated Gazi, demanded that he strip to verify whether he was “a genuine Muslim,” and forcibly removed his clothing in public view, including in front of women. When Gazi attempted to record the act on his mobile phone, the BSF personnel reportedly slapped him on his left ear, kicked him in the back, and threatened him, saying: “There is none who can stop me. You can do nothing.”

Eyewitnesses from the village reportedly watched the entire incident. Later that day, a BSF officer from the 'G' Branch visited the location and listened to the statements of both the victim and witnesses. On June 15, another BSF officer, holding the rank of 2-in-Command, visited Gazi's residence for further inquiry.

Following the assault, Mr. Gazi sought medical treatment at a government hospital and submitted a written complaint to the Superintendent of Police, Basirhat Police District. However, MASUM alleges that the local police have failed to take action or register a formal investigation despite the complaint detailing a cognizable offence.

In his petition to the NHRC, Kirity Roy raised several pressing questions:

- Do Indian citizens living near the border not enjoy the same constitutional rights as others?

- How can BSF personnel involved in such abuses continue to serve without disciplinary action?

- Why is BSF patrolling a civilian area situated a full kilometre inside the border zone?

- Why have local police not initiated an investigation even after receiving a formal complaint?

The letter calls upon the NHRC to intervene and ensure justice for the victim, as well as to address broader concerns over the conduct and jurisdiction of BSF personnel in civilian areas along the border.

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