Author: Ravik Bhattacharya
Publication: The Indian Express
Date: November 17, 2007
URL: http://www.indianexpress.com/story/240207.html
Introduction: No action taken by police 10
days after incident, CPM cadres still control access
It's been 10 days since Sabina Begum (name
changed to protect her identity) was allegedly gangraped by CPM men during
"Operation Recapture," as first reported in The Indian Express today.
But the Nandigram police, who registered a case after the medical report confirmed
the rape, say they have not been able to visit the victim's house in Satengabari,
the scene of the crime that can yield crucial evidence in the case.
For the record, Superintendent of Police S
S Panda says: "Investigation cannot be started because the situation
is so tense." When asked if the delay could hamper evidence collection,
Panda said: "It's possible to get conviction on the basis of the victim's
statement. It's very difficult to get witnesses in these cases."
That's hardly a surprise.
For, The Indian Express was able to reach
Sabina's Satengabari house this afternoon, dodging past the close surveillance
of a 150-strong mob of CPM supporters. Any one who enters the village has
to explain the purpose of their visit and get the cadres' permission. The
mud house of Sabina Begum is thoroughly ransacked. There is hardly any household
article left inside. Overhead mud tiles are smashed, clothing is strewn on
the floor.
The police have also not taken any step to
search for Sabina's two missing daughters who she said were also gangraped
and abducted by CPM cadres.
CPM cadres now guard the village and mill
around Sabina's house. Asked if any police team had come to investigate, CPM
member Shyamal Jana said: "No. A CRPF team made a round but no policeman
has come after the village was freed from terror unleashed by the Bhumi Uchched
men."
At the Brojomohan Tiari relief camp in Nandigram,
Sabina's relatives are traumatized. They are afraid to even step out of the
camp. Still, they keep making several rounds of the local police station to
inquire about the two missing daughters. "But the police have no time
to listen," says Sheikh Motleb, the victim's brother.
He says that Nasreen, 14, and Fatima, 16,
(both names changed to protect their identities) had studied up to Class IV
and Class VI respectively. The younger one studied in Satengabari primary
school while her elder sister used to go to Brindaban Chawk Girls' School.
"They dropped out because of financial
constraints in the family and began zari work. Each earned about Rs 3000 per
month working under a trader in nearby Bajkul. But the biggest worry now is
to find out if they are alive," said Motleb.
