NHRC notice to Andhra Pradesh Government over its forest officials brutally assaulting poor villagers of northern Tamil Nadu (16.12.2014)
Press Release
New Delhi, 16th December, 2014
The National Human Rights Commission has taken cognizance of a complaint with a video clip alleging that forest officials of Andhra Pradesh taking law in their hands, brutally assaulted some workers who belonged to bordering districts of Vellore, Krishnagiri and Dharmapuri in northern Tamil Nadu.
Allegedly, these workers were living below poverty line and depended on forest produce for their livelihood. Their abject poverty compelled them to cut trees on orders of some unscrupulous elements engaged in illegal trade of high value timber. The poor villagers were not aware of legal consequences of their actions.
Considering the allegations as very serious, Mr. Justice D. Murugesan, Member, NHRC has observed that the law enforcement agencies can exercise their powers only in accordance with the provisions of the law and cannot take law in their hands. The video clips display a dismal picture of an unarmed worker who was made nude and brutally attacked by certain persons claiming to be forest officials of Andhra Pradesh. Their action was not only brutal but also amounted to serious violation of human rights. The Commission has also observed that such actions should not only be condemned but also severely punished.
Accordingly, notices have been issued to the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police, Government of Andhra Pradesh calling for a reports within four weeks. They have also been directed to report on the action taken against the gangs involved in felling of valuable trees.
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New Delhi, 16th December, 2014
The National Human Rights Commission has taken cognizance of a complaint with a video clip alleging that forest officials of Andhra Pradesh taking law in their hands, brutally assaulted some workers who belonged to bordering districts of Vellore, Krishnagiri and Dharmapuri in northern Tamil Nadu.
Allegedly, these workers were living below poverty line and depended on forest produce for their livelihood. Their abject poverty compelled them to cut trees on orders of some unscrupulous elements engaged in illegal trade of high value timber. The poor villagers were not aware of legal consequences of their actions.
Considering the allegations as very serious, Mr. Justice D. Murugesan, Member, NHRC has observed that the law enforcement agencies can exercise their powers only in accordance with the provisions of the law and cannot take law in their hands. The video clips display a dismal picture of an unarmed worker who was made nude and brutally attacked by certain persons claiming to be forest officials of Andhra Pradesh. Their action was not only brutal but also amounted to serious violation of human rights. The Commission has also observed that such actions should not only be condemned but also severely punished.
Accordingly, notices have been issued to the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police, Government of Andhra Pradesh calling for a reports within four weeks. They have also been directed to report on the action taken against the gangs involved in felling of valuable trees.
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