Important Intervention

Rs. 30 lakh recommended as relief in four cases of fake encounter in Assam
The National Human Rights Commission has found four cases of encounter as fake in Assam. These were carried out by the Assam Police along with the units of army and paramilitary forces in different parts of the State. Out of these, in three cases, the Commission has asked the Government of Assam to pay a sum of total Rs. 25 lakh as relief to the next of kin of the victims. In the fourth case, it has asked the Union Ministry of Defence to pay an amount of Rs. 5 lakh as relief.
In all these cases, neither the Government of Assam nor the Union Defence Ministry could convince the Commission, in response to its notices, that the encounters were genuine because the armed forces opened fire in self-defence when attacked by the alleged miscreants and suspected extremists.
The case number 80/3/14/08-09-ED related to the death of Piku Ali in police firing in District Nagaon on the 23rd July, 2008. The Commission recommended payment of Rs. 5 lakh as relief to Piku's family.
The case number 46/3/24/2011-ED related to the death of Mriganka Hazarika and Himanshu Gogoi in police firing in Dispur, Guwahati on the night of 23rd February, 2011. The next of kin of both the victims have been recommended payment of Rs. 5 lakh each as relief.
The case number 217/3/16/2011-ED related to the death of Jwnwm Basumatary and Okhophat Basumatary in an encounter with police at Furoibari under Dekiajuli Police Station in Sonitpur District on the 22nd June, 2009. The next of kin of the two victims have been recommended to be paid Rs. 5 lakh each as relief.
In all these three cases, as above, the Commission has asked the Government of Assam through its Chief Secretary to pay the relief as recommended and submit the compliance report along with the proof of payment.
The Case number 210/3/16/2011-ED related to the death of Rojit Narzary @ Abram in an encounter with Assam Police and Assam Rifles in Sonitpur District on the 9th July, 2009. The Union Defence Ministry through its Secretary has been asked to pay Rs. 5 lakh to the next of kin of the victim.
Notices to Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary and DGP over alleged violation of human rights in political rallies
The National Human Rights Commission has taken cognizance of a complaint that in poll bound Tamil Nadu, several people were gathered and forced to sit in the open under the scorching Sun to attend political rallies for four to five hours on the 11th, 15th and 20th April, 2016 in Cuddalore, Virudhunagar and Salem districts respectively. Allegedly, this happened despite the District Collectors' orders that public should not venture out from 11:00 a.m. to 04:00 p.m. due to scorching heat.
Allegedly, they were denied drinking water and other basic facilities leading to injuries and loss of lives. Many people fainted at Virudhuchalam rally in Cuddalore district, creating unrest and panic, which in turn, led to stampede in which 17 people were injured. Two persons died due to want of timely first aid. Another was seriously hurt in a stampede at Aruppukkottai in Virudhunagar district and eventually died, while two others died in Magudanchavadi in Salem. Allegedly, people were paid Rs. 300 over and above the wages under the MNREGA to participate in the meetings.
The Commission has observed that the allegations are serious and the incidents, if true, are indeed unfortunate. It has issued notices to the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police, Government of Tamil Nadu calling for detailed reports about the circumstances leading to the unfortunate incidents. The Commission has also directed them to take all necessary measures to prevent reoccurrence of all such incidents in the future.
The Commission also said, "While the political parties, especially during the election period, have every right to organise public meetings, it is also the duty of the State/District Administration, while granting permissions for such meetings, to take all necessary steps considering the safety and security issues in mind." The repeated incidents, one after the other, pointed failure on part of the authorities.
Rs. 3 lakh as relief to a gang rape victim; five police personnel arrested and dismissed from service
On the intervention of the National Human Rights Commission, NHRC the Union Territory Administration of Chandigarh has paid Rs. 3 lakh as relief to the victim who was gang raped by five constables in Chandigarh Police. All the five accused were arrested and dismissed from service.
In response to the notices of the Commission, it was confirmed that a girl student of class X had been subjected to gang rape by five police personnel for two months. The Commission was also informed that an FIR No. 507 under Section 341,354, 376, 376(D), 34 IPC and 6 of POCSO Act, 2013 had been registered in police station-11, Chandigarh. The Commission had registered the case on the basis of a complaint on the 24th December, 2013.