NHRC takes suo motu cognizance of the reported suicide by two brothers due to the alleged police atrocity of Sadabad police station in Hathras, Uttar Pradesh

Press Release

National Human Rights Commission

New Delhi: 27th June, 2024

NHRC takes suo motu cognizance of the reported suicide by two brothers due to the alleged police atrocity of Sadabad police station in Hathras, Uttar Pradesh

Seeks report within one week from the state DGP

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report carried on 25th June, 2024, that two brothers of Agra committed suicide within three days due to the alleged police harassment by the police personnel of Sadabad police station in Hathras, Uttar Pradesh. Reportedly, a suicide note in this regard has been left by one of the brothers.

The Commission has observed that the contents of the media report, if true, indicate a serious issue of human rights violation. Going by the media report, it appears that the police personnel acted inhumanly and cruelly with both the victims due to which they ended their lives. The police are supposed to protect the people from any atrocity but in this case, it appears that they became the perpetrators which is a matter of concern.

Therefore, the Commission has issued a notice to the Director General of Police, Uttar Pradesh calling for a detailed report within one week. It should also include the status of the FIR registered in the matter, action taken against the responsible officials, and relief if any, provided to the Next of Kin of the deceased persons.

According to the media report, the police had detained the younger brother for two days alleging that his brother-in-law had eloped with one girl and released him only after taking a bribe of Rs. 10,000/-. Two days later, his elder brother and nephew were picked up by the police demanding Rs. 90,000/- as a bribe to release them. Reportedly, a part of the amount was also paid but the concerned SHO of PS Sadabad, Hathras was pressurizing them for further payment. The elder brother had reportedly also brought the matter to the notice of SO for action against the SHO.

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