NHRC probes brutal attacks on activist, student in Tamil Nadu

New Delhi: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognizance of two shocking incidents in Tamil Nadu— the daylight murder of a retired police officer in Tirunelveli and the brutal assault on a Dalit student in Thoothukudi. Notices have been issued to the Director General of Police and respective district collectors, seeking detailed reports within four weeks.

Daylight murder: Activist silenced in Tirunelveli

The NHRC has taken note of the murder of a retired sub-inspector of police in broad daylight in Tirunelveli district. According to media reports, the victim was actively pursuing legal cases against Waqf land encroachment and had received multiple death threats. Allegedly, he had accused the police of inaction and collusion with the accused.

Despite his warnings, a group of four individuals ambushed and murdered him, raising concerns about law enforcement’s role in his safety. The Commission has termed the incident a grave violation of human rights and has sought a detailed report from the authorities.

Caste horror: Student maimed in Thoothukudi

In another incident, a Class XI student belonging to the Scheduled Caste was brutally attacked by upper-caste youths in Thoothukudi district while traveling to take an exam. Reports indicate that the perpetrators dragged him out of the bus and attacked him with a sickle, severing fingers from his left hand. The victim’s father, who attempted to intervene, was also assaulted.

The attackers managed to flee the scene, while the injured student was rushed to Tirunelveli Government Hospital. After a seven-hour-long surgery, doctors successfully reattached his severed fingers. The NHRC has taken serious note of this caste-based violence and has sought accountability from the police and district administration.

Both cases highlight concerns over law and order, and the NHRC has emphasized the need for immediate action to prevent such violations of human rights.