NHRC notice to the Government of Bihar over lynching of 3 alleged kidnappers in Begusarai (11.09.2018)

PRESS RELEASE


New Delhi, 11th September, 2018

The National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, India has taken suo motu cognizance of media reports that the 3 alleged 'kidnappers', reportedly looking for a school girl, were lynched by villagers in Begusarai district of Bihar on the 7th September, 2018. The Commission has issued notices to the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police, Government of Bihar, insisting upon them to look into these kinds of matters personally and take effective measures to stop them. A factual report on the incident including action taken against the guilty and steps taken to stop such incidents is expected from them within six weeks, positively.

The Commission has observed that even in the case of suspicion, a call should have been made to the police authorities and the school administration could have come forward and act in a lawful manner. It appears that instead of taking recourse to a lawful action, people gathered only on the basis of suspicion and without any inquiry killed three persons.

The Commission has already opined that due to such incidents, not only precious human lives are lost but the image of our country and the state is also tarnished. All these incidents indicate towards lawlessness prevailing in the State due to which many a time, the unruly mob has taken law into their hands showing all disrespect towards law.

Recently, the Commission had taken suo-motu cognizance of media reports regarding a girl being allegedly assaulted and paraded naked in Araria district of Bihar and a woman paraded naked in the Bhojpur district. The Commission has already expressed its concern and has asked the State Government to work on an effective action plan to deal with such tragic incidents.

According to the media reports, carried on the 8th September, 2018, the victims of mob violence were spotted moving suspiciously on the school premises in Narayanipur village under Chhourahi police station. They were reportedly armed and were looking for a girl from class IX of the school. An alarm was raised by the students following which, the villagers, reportedly, gathered at the spot and started beating the trio with bamboo sticks and iron rods. One of them died on the spot and two others were declared dead on arrival at the hospital.


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