New Delhi, March 15th, 2011

The National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, has taken suo motu cognizance of media reports alleging that a number of political activists of Samajwadi Party were severely beaten up by the police in the presence of senior officers on the 9th March, 2011 during an agitation in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.

The reports also alleged that a DIG of police trampled down one of the activists under his feet, while others were being beaten up with sticks. The reports also carried photographs in this regard. Some activists reportedly suffered serious injuries.

The Commission today on the 15th March, 2011, observed in its proceedings that the contents of media reports, if true, raise serious issues of violation of human rights of the political activists.

A notice has been issued along with the press clippings to the Director General of Police, Uttar Pradesh calling for a report in the matter within four weeks.

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