NHRC Demands Report from Delhi Officials on Alleged Lynching of Dalit Youth During Holi
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Key Takeaways
New Delhi, March 13 (NationPress) The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has sent formal notices to the District Magistrate of West Delhi and the Commissioner of Police, Delhi, regarding accusations that a 26-year-old Dalit youth was brutally assaulted and lynched during the Holi festivities in Uttam Nagar, the national capital.
A bench led by NHRC Member Priyank Kanoongo acknowledged a complaint that claimed the violence erupted on March 4, following a minor altercation over an accidental splash of water between two families during the Holi celebrations.
The complaint states that, despite the victim’s family extending apologies, a mob of approximately 15-20 individuals allegedly attacked the youth while he was riding home on a two-wheeler.
The assailants reportedly employed bricks, stones, and iron rods, inflicting life-threatening injuries. Tragically, the victim succumbed to his wounds during medical treatment.
The complainant has called for the NHRC's intervention, urging a thorough inquiry into the incident, the identification and prosecution of all involved, protective measures for the victim’s family, and fair compensation for the grieving family.
The NHRC’s notice, issued under Section 12 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, indicates that these allegations, if substantiated, demonstrate a potential violation of the victim's human rights. The commission has instructed the relevant authorities to carry out a comprehensive and unbiased investigation, ensure the identification and prosecution of all suspects, and evaluate the safety concerns regarding the victim’s family, implementing necessary measures to protect them as crucial witnesses.
Additionally, the authorities are required to examine and preserve all pertinent evidence, including social media content, images, and videos that may hold evidentiary significance.
The NHRC has also mandated securing CCTV footage from the vicinity, maintaining the integrity of the crime scene, and collecting all relevant forensic evidence like fingerprints, footprints, stones, and other items purportedly used in the attack.
Furthermore, the NHRC has requested an Action Taken Report (ATR) within two weeks for its review and has directed the authorities to send a copy of the report via email.