Life is this intricate juggle between chasing dreams and navigating moral mazes.  As the saying goes, “power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely”. It’s a stark reminder of the potential for corruption when authority becomes unchecked. This intricate balance between societal ascent and ethical compromise begs the timeless question: Can one rise without succumbing to the pitfalls of corruption? Evidently, that appears to be a negative for Sheikh Shahjahan.

Sheikh Shahjahan, a prominent leader within the TMC, has traversed a remarkable journey from his humble beginnings as a trekker driver and part-time vegetable vendor in 1999 to becoming a pivotal figure in Sandeshkhali. His foray into politics in 2003 was influenced by his uncle Moslem Sheikh, who had ties with the CPM. Shahjahan’s ascent to power was marked by engaging in criminal activities, asserting control over local water bodies, and participating in illicit land transactions.

A Few of the Several Accusations Against Sheikh Shahjahan Include:

1. Land Grabbing:

Shahjahan and his associates face allegations of forcefully acquiring substantial land areas in Sandeshkhali, involving illicit transactions and seizing significant land holdings.

2. Sexual Harassment:

Multiple women have come forward, detailing systematic mistreatment and sexual abuse by Shahjahan and his associates towards female residents in the area.

3. Violent Incident:

A mob attack on Enforcement Directorate (ED) officers during a raid at Shahjahan’s residence on January 5, 2024, led to a violent incident, prompting him to evade authorities.

4. Ration Scam:

Shahjahan is implicated in a multi-crore ration scam in West Bengal, diverting Public Distribution System (PDS) commodities to the open market, totalling over Rs 1,000 crore.

5. Murder FIR:

Named in a murder FIR following violent clashes between BJP and TMC workers in Sandeshkhali after the Lok Sabha polls in June 2019, that implicated Shahjahan in a serious criminal case.

6. Organised Abuse:

The National Commission for Women (NCW) report highlights alarming levels of fear and organised abuse in the Sandeshkhali region, involving police officials and TMC members, intensifying the accusations against Sheikh Shahjahan.

The citizens of Sandeshkhali remained silent for so long due to fear of retaliation, lack of confidence in law enforcement, the political and economic influence of perpetrators like Sheikh Shahjahan, and a culture of repression perpetuated by the unchecked power wielded by anti-social elements. The pervasive atmosphere of intimidation, coupled with the belief that institutions were compromised, hindered the survivors from seeking justice and speaking out against the alleged systemic sexual exploitation and abuse they faced.

Sexual Exploitation of The Sandeshkhali Women

The distressing situation in Sandeshkhali, West Bengal, where women have courageously shared accounts of sexual harassment, is deeply concerning. These women have recounted being targeted, taken to the Trinamool party office, and subjected to sexual abuse at Shahjahan’s behest. Their testimonies have sparked public outrage and protests, shedding light on the pervasive culture of fear and silence that enabled such abuse to persist unchecked for so long. The aggrieved state that the associates of Sheikh Shahjahan would go from house to house, “surveying” for beautiful women, forcefully taking them to the TMC office, holding them captive and sexually exploiting them until they were “satisfied.”

The failure of authorities to address these issues and the alleged complicity of law enforcement in protecting the perpetrators, have exacerbated the survivors’ suffering. The exploitation extends beyond sexual violence to encompass land-grabbing and socio-economic exploitation, revealing a complex network of power dynamics at play in the region.

The recent legal actions and public outcry have underscored the urgent need for justice, protection, and systemic reforms to safeguard the well-being of women in Sandeshkhali. It is imperative to break the cycle of silence and fear, empower victims to seek justice, and ensure accountability for those responsible, including Sheikh Shahjahan and his associates, for their reprehensible actions.

Law enforcement officers in Sandeshkhali, West Bengal, have faced allegations of complicity and inaction in response to the reports of sexual harassment and exploitation. The women who dared to speak out against Sheikh Shahjahan and his associates claimed that their complaints fell on deaf ears and that those who protested faced severe consequences. Additionally, the National Commission for Women Chairperson, Rekha Sharma, criticised the police for filing complaints against the relatives of the women survivors instead of addressing their grievances. She highlighted the fear instilled in villagers by both criminals and the police, indicating a lack of support and protection for the victims. These statements underscore the challenges faced by women in seeking justice and the urgent need for accountability and reform within the law enforcement system.

The Governor of West Bengal, CV Ananda Bose, visited Sandeshkhali and expressed concern over the violence and exploitation faced by women in the region. He stood in solidarity with the women protestors and condemned the atrocities committed against them. His presence and statements indicated support for the survivors and a call for justice and action to address the systemic issues of sexual harassment and exploitation in Sandeshkhali. The women of Sandeshkhali have bravely come forward to demand justice and accountability for the alleged sexual exploitation and abuse they have endured. Their demands include:

– Seeking legal action against Sheikh Shahjahan and his associates for their involvement in systemic sexual exploitation.

– Calling for a thorough investigation into the allegations of sexual harassment and violence.

– Requesting protection and support for the survivors and their families to ensure their safety.

– Urging authorities to address the culture of fear and silence that has allowed such abuse to persist.

– Advocating for systemic reforms within law enforcement to ensure that complaints of sexual harassment are taken seriously, and perpetrators are held accountable.

These demands reflect the women’s courage in speaking out against injustice and their determination to seek justice and change in Sandeshkhali.

Impact of Sexual Violence On the Survivor and The Society

Sexual violence leaves a lasting imprint that extends far beyond the immediate survivor, echoing through the fabric of relationships, communities, and society at large. The journey of coping with this trauma is deeply intricate, shaped by individual styles, cultural nuances, and the unique circumstances of each survivor’s life. It’s essential to acknowledge and honour the diverse coping mechanisms, recognizing that survivors may share their experiences immediately or after a considerable time.

In the aftermath of sexual violence, emotions run deep—it’s like navigating a complex maze of guilt, shame, fear, and a whole mix of feelings. On a psychological level, it deals with the haunting presence of nightmares, the constant weight of persistent depression, and the subtle but powerful impact of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) which includes symptoms like palpitation, intrusive flashbacks, emotional withdrawal, insomnia among others. And let’s not forget the physical side—survivors grapple with changes in eating habits, a heightened sense of safety concerns, and the looming thought of potential pregnancies, adding yet another layer to the whole experience. The gravity of it all hits hard, especially when you think about the potential for fatal health outcomes like the chilling possibilities of suicide and AIDS-related deaths.

But here’s the thing—it’s not just an individual journey. The impact ripples out, touching the lives of parents, friends, partners, kids, and colleagues. Loved ones find themselves in uncharted territory, unsure of how to offer meaningful support in the face of such trauma. In recognizing these real-life challenges, creating a safe space not only for survivors but also for those loved ones who are trying to navigate the intricate complexities of supporting someone through the aftermath of sexual violence.

Mentality of a Perpetrator

Perpetrators of sexual assault often exhibit a range of psychological characteristics that contribute to their actions. One key aspect is the presence of misogyny, which is a hostile attitude an individual may hold towards women. These individuals may view women as objects or property to be controlled or dominated rather than as equals. This aggressive mindset can lead to a sense of entitlement, where the perpetrator  assumes they can force their will upon a woman, precluding any need for consent.

Furthermore, perpetrators of sexual assault may justify their actions by blaming the survivor or the circumstances. They may minimise the harm they cause or shift responsibility onto the survivor, rationalising their behaviour as acceptable or even deserved. This tendency to deflect blame can be a way for perpetrators to avoid facing the consequences of their actions and maintain a sense of power and control.

Furthering this skewed idea of masculinity, sexual assault can even be a way for men to impress other men and assert their masculinity. By using sexual violence as a tool to establish power and dominance over women, these individuals seek validation and approval from their male peers.

Overall, the mentality of perpetrators of sexual assault is rooted in misogyny that deems women and Assigned Female at Birth (AFAB) persons as secondary, inferior persons. Misogyny itself is a product of a hetero-patriarchal social system, which asserts cisgender heterosexual men as the centre of human society. Understanding these psychosocial factors are crucial in addressing and preventing sexual violence in society.

How Can the Mentality of a Perpetrator Be Changed?

Transforming the mindset of perpetrators of sexual violence within our society requires a nuanced approach. Key strategies include:

1. Education and Awareness:

Disseminate knowledge about consent, healthy relationships, and gender equality to challenge harmful beliefs. Increase awareness about the impact of sexual violence to help perpetrators understand the consequences.

2. Therapy and Counselling:

Provide services to address underlying issues like trauma, anger, or distorted beliefs.  A therapeutic framework encourages self-introspection, that helps an individual identify patterns of cultural conditioning and unlearn them.

3. Accountability and Consequences:

Hold perpetrators responsible through legal consequences and interventions, disrupting abusive behavioural patterns and reinforcing the message that sexual violence is unacceptable.

4. Empathy Building:

Encourage perpetrators to cultivate empathy by helping them understand the impact of their actions. Empathy-building exercises and survivor impact statements are effective.

5. Community Support and Reintegration:

Offer support services and reintegration programs for treated perpetrators. Cultivate a supportive community, advocating healthy relationships and respect.

6. Early Intervention and Prevention:

Identify at-risk individuals early and implement intervention and prevention programs. Educate about healthy relationships and consent from a young age to prevent harmful attitudes.

In essence, altering the mentality of sexual violence perpetrators in our society demands a comprehensive effort to address root causes, promote positive attitudes, and foster a culture of respect and consent.

– By Akanksha Chandra Singh (Reviewed by Deeksha Rai)