NHRC notice to the Chief Secretary and DGP of Karnataka over the alleged stripping of a Tanzanian student in Bengaluru (05/02/2016)
PRESS RELEASE
New Delhi, 5th February, 2016. The National Human Rights Commission has taken suo motu cognizance of media reports on the alleged stripping of a Tanzanian student and forcing her to walk "without her top" in Bengaluru, Karnataka on the night of January, 31, 2016. Justice Shri D Murugesan, Member, NHRC has observed that, if, the contents of the report are true, the incident would amount to a serious violation of human rights, including racism. Accordingly, he has issued notices to the Chief Secretary and DGP, Government of Karnataka to submit a report within two weeks on the action taken in the matter.
According to the reports carried on the 4th February, 2016, when the 21 years old Tanzanian student was allegedly stripped by a mob, a police constable, who was present at the scene, remained a mute spectator. She lodged a complaint with the police as well.
Reportedly, 30 minutes before the said incident a road accident took place wherein the car driven by a Sudanese Medical student had hit a local resident who died in the incident, while another sustained injuries. Thereafter, a mob gathered that night and stopped the car in which the Tanzanian Student was travelling with her friends. The mob set her car on fire and also targeted the student.
The student attempted to board a bus, but passengers pushed her away. Later on she tried to hire an autorickshaw but the driver refused. The mob continued to thrash the student and other accompanying friends making them to run for their lives. A passerby, who offered her a t-shirt was also attacked.
*****
New Delhi, 5th February, 2016. The National Human Rights Commission has taken suo motu cognizance of media reports on the alleged stripping of a Tanzanian student and forcing her to walk "without her top" in Bengaluru, Karnataka on the night of January, 31, 2016. Justice Shri D Murugesan, Member, NHRC has observed that, if, the contents of the report are true, the incident would amount to a serious violation of human rights, including racism. Accordingly, he has issued notices to the Chief Secretary and DGP, Government of Karnataka to submit a report within two weeks on the action taken in the matter.
According to the reports carried on the 4th February, 2016, when the 21 years old Tanzanian student was allegedly stripped by a mob, a police constable, who was present at the scene, remained a mute spectator. She lodged a complaint with the police as well.
Reportedly, 30 minutes before the said incident a road accident took place wherein the car driven by a Sudanese Medical student had hit a local resident who died in the incident, while another sustained injuries. Thereafter, a mob gathered that night and stopped the car in which the Tanzanian Student was travelling with her friends. The mob set her car on fire and also targeted the student.
The student attempted to board a bus, but passengers pushed her away. Later on she tried to hire an autorickshaw but the driver refused. The mob continued to thrash the student and other accompanying friends making them to run for their lives. A passerby, who offered her a t-shirt was also attacked.
*****