The highest number of complaints were received in the right to dignity category that involves harassment other than domestic violence. It stood at 3,107, according to the NCW data.

NCW chairperson Sharma underlined the seriousness of the incident, noting that it involved a breach of security by those entrusted with its enforcement.

NCW requests EC to take note of the situation escalating in Sandeshkhali amid ongoing LS polls.

It said a Special Investigation Team (SIT) committee has been formed to probe the matter thoroughly. Notably, there is a commendable presence of female officers entrusted with conducting investigations and ensuring sensitivity and empathy in handling such cases, it added.

The NCW chairperson alleged that the Mamata Banerjee government was trying to "suppress the voice of women so that the truth would not come out".

Last week two members of NCW had visited the area and submitted a report revealing a “troubling pattern of negligence and complicity” by the Bengal government and law enforcement officials.