The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken swift action in response to a complaint alleging the unlawful detention of a journalist covering the contentious Sandeshkhali issue in West Bengal.
Officials confirmed on Tuesday that a notice has been issued to the state's police chief, prompting an investigation into the incident. The NHRC statement expressed grave concern, highlighting the seriousness of potential human rights violations and restrictions on press freedom.
Taking suo motu cognizance of the complaint, the NHRC emphasised its commitment to upholding fundamental rights. The statement specifically referenced the February 19 incident, where a TV channel journalist reportedly faced unlawful detention while covering allegations of crimes against women in Sandeshkhali.
"Allegedly, without any prior notice, the police personnel encircled the victim, assaulted and forcefully took him into illegal custody," the rights panel said.
The complainant, the wife of the journalist, has also alleged that "she has no access to him and is concerned about his well-being." "She has further submitted that this is an attempt to throttle the media through coercion and intimidation in the state of West Bengal," read the statement.
The NHRC has issued a notice to the Director General of Police, West Bengal directing him to "submit a report in the matter within two weeks." The Commission has also asked the DIG (Investigation) to find out facts by telephone and submit his findings to the Commission within a week, officials said.
The NHRC, in its statement, also cited a recent observation by Supreme Court, quoting it, "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."
It added, "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 homogenised view on issues that range from socio-economic policy to political ideologies would pose grave dangers to democracy."
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