NHRC orders Punjab probe into Daljit Singh's death, police crackdown on protesters
Synopsis
India's apex human rights body has stepped in after a Punjab man's suspicious death sparked protests — and an alleged police crackdown. The NHRC's two-week deadline to the state's top officials signals the commission's view that a prima facie human rights violation may have occurred.
Key Takeaways
The NHRC has taken cognisance of alleged human rights violations linked to the suspicious death of Daljit Singh of Bhamme Kalan village, Mansa, Punjab .
NHRC member Priyank Kanoongo issued notices to the Punjab Chief Secretary and DGP , requiring an Action Taken Report within two weeks .
The complaint, filed by Harmandeep Singh Mehta , alleges police used force and detained protesters near Ramdittewala Chowk .
Daljit Singh's family suspects a drug-related angle in his death; an independent enquiry has been sought.
Action was initiated under Section 12 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993 .
The NHRC observed the allegations 'prima facie seem to be violations of the human rights of the victim.'
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken cognisance of a complaint alleging human rights violations linked to the suspicious death of Daljit Singh, a resident of Bhamme Kalan village in Mansa district, Punjab, and the alleged use of force against protesters who subsequently demanded accountability.
Key Developments
A Bench presided over by NHRC member Priyank Kanoongo has issued notices to the Punjab Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police (DGP), directing both officials to enquire into the allegations and submit an Action Taken Report (ATR) within two weeks. The action was initiated under Section 12 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, after a complaint filed by Harmandeep Singh Mehta was placed before the apex human rights body on Wednesday, 28 October 2026.
What the Complaint Alleges
According to the complaint, Daljit Singh was found dead under suspicious circumstances, with his family raising serious concerns over the cause of death, including a suspected connection with drugs. Family members and supporters subsequently staged a protest demanding answers and accountability.
The complaint further alleges that police intercepted the procession near Ramdittewala Chowk and took custody of the deceased's body. A confrontation reportedly followed, during which police are alleged to have used force and detained several protesters. The police, for their part, reportedly justified their intervention on grounds of maintaining law and order, adding that some protesters had allegedly assaulted police personnel.
NHRC's Observations
Taking cognisance of the matter, the NHRC observed that 'the allegations made in the complaint prima facie seem to be violations of the human rights of the victim.' The commission directed its registry to issue notices to both the Punjab Chief Secretary and the DGP, seeking their respective reports within two weeks for further perusal.
What the Complainant Has Sought
The complainant, Harmandeep Singh Mehta, has sought an independent enquiry into Daljit Singh's death and the police action that followed, calling for a fair investigation and accountability of the authorities concerned. This comes amid recurring concerns over police conduct during protests in Punjab, particularly in cases where custodial or unexplained deaths are involved.
What Happens Next
The Punjab Chief Secretary and DGP are now required to submit their ATRs to the NHRC within two weeks. Should the reports be found unsatisfactory, the commission has the authority to escalate its inquiry. The case will likely draw wider attention as civil society groups and human rights activists in the state monitor the official response closely.
Point of View
Followed by police action that itself becomes the second controversy. The two-week ATR deadline is a standard procedural step, but the real test is whether the state responds with substance or a perfunctory report. Given that the complaint implicates both the conduct of an investigation and the management of a protest, accountability here runs on two parallel tracks — and the NHRC will need to hold both.
NationPress
28 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why has the NHRC intervened in the Daljit Singh case?
The NHRC intervened after a complaint by Harmandeep Singh Mehta alleged human rights violations in connection with the suspicious death of Daljit Singh in Mansa, Punjab, and subsequent police action against protesters. The commission found the allegations prima facie credible and issued notices under Section 12 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993.
What action has the NHRC ordered?
The NHRC has directed the Punjab Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police to enquire into the allegations and submit an Action Taken Report within two weeks. The notices were issued by a Bench presided over by NHRC member Priyank Kanoongo.
What are the allegations in the complaint?
The complaint alleges that Daljit Singh was found dead under suspicious circumstances, with his family suspecting a drug-related connection. It further alleges that when family members and supporters staged a protest near Ramdittewala Chowk, police intercepted the procession, took custody of the body, used force, and detained protesters.
What did the police say about the incident?
Police reportedly justified their actions on grounds of maintaining law and order, and stated that some protesters had assaulted police personnel. These are their stated justifications as reported; the NHRC's enquiry will examine both sides of the account.
Who is Daljit Singh and where did the incident take place?
Daljit Singh was a resident of Bhamme Kalan village in Mansa district, Punjab. His death under suspicious circumstances, and the events that followed including the protest and alleged police action near Ramdittewala Chowk, form the basis of the NHRC complaint.
