Kolkata/IBNS/UNI: The National Human Rights Commission has issued notices to the West Bengal Chief Secretary and Director General of Police after taking suo motu cognizance of media reports of alleged harassment and sexual assaults on "innocent and impoverished women" in Sandeshkhali.

"The commission has observed that the recent incidents in Sandeshkhali under North 24 Parganas district, as reported in various print and electronic media, indicate prima facie violation of human rights 'shocking the conscience'," it said in a media release.

"Therefore, it becomes imperative for it to exercise its jurisdiction under Section 12 (a) of the Protection of Human Rights (PHR) Act, 1993 to preserve, protect and promote human rights, and take suo motu cognizance of the reported incidents of violence," the release said.

The NHRC has issued notices to the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police seeking reports within four weeks about the violence that took place, as reported, in Sandeshkhali.

The human rights body has also asked the two officials to apprise it about the action taken or proposed to be taken against the "perpetrators of crime, safety and other ameliorative measures taken or proposed to be taken to inspire confidence amongst the local people" including women.

The officials have also been asked to furnish details of compensation, if any, paid or to be paid to the victims of violence.

"Considering the gravity of the matter, the Commission has also considered it fit and proper to depute its team to ascertain facts by a spot-enquiry into the incidents of violence of human rights in Sandeshkhali, The team will be led by a member of the Commission assisted by officers of the Commission," the NHRC said.

Issuing the notices, the commission has further observed that life is precious in itself, which encompasses the rights to dignity, freedom, equality and liberty.