India’s National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) recommended Friday the imposition of President’s rule in West Bengal state in its report to India’s President Droupadi Murmu after allegations surfaced of multiple sexual assaults in the state perpetrated by a member of the ruling state party Trinamool Congress (TMC). President’s rule is when a state government is removed and direct rule by the President of India is imposed.

Arun Halder, chairman of the NCSC, informed the press about the commission’s investigation into the incident and reports in a press conference. He said:

When we visited Sandeshkhali yesterday, Shahjahan Sheikh and his gang had created a very terrified atmosphere that people were so scared to speak out. They were saying that he and his gang would attack them again once we left. We went to Sandeshkhali Police Station, but they fled and did not talk to us after seeing us. We have sent a report to President Droupadi Murmu. Under Article 338 of the Constitution, scheduled castes and tribes need to be protected, but it is being violated, and that too with the support of the government. So, a President’s rule can be imposed here.

The Sandeshkhali incident in West Bengal involves allegations of sexual assault, land grabbing and violence against women by a local TMC leader, Sheikh Shahjahan, and his associates. Multiple women have come forward and leveled allegations of sexual misconduct against the TMC leader and his associates. In January 2023, Shahjahan was involved in a controversial search by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) over allegations of a scam against him.

The National Commission for Scheduled Castes is a constitutional body in India aimed at safeguarding the interests of Scheduled Castes and Anglo-Indian communities. Established to prevent exploitation and promote social, educational, economic and cultural well-being, it operates under Article 338 of the Indian Constitution. Scheduled Castes are historically disadvantaged groups in India which have faced discrimination and disadvantage based on their caste status.