M A I N   N E W S

NHRC to probe attack on Dalits

New Delhi, June 4
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has ordered an investigation into a case of alleged atrocities on Dalit families in Haryana by upper caste people under the patronage of political leaders.

Taking cognizance of a complaint brought to it by former Home Minister and MP Buta Singh and former Chief Minister of Haryana Bhajan Lal, the commission yesterday directed its investigation division to send a team to the state to probe the matter and submit its report within three weeks.

The complainants had alleged atrocities on some harijans in the Harsola village of Kaithal district and alleged involvement of some influential persons in the commission of these atrocities.

Around 275 families of Dalits were allegedly mercilessly beaten up by upper caste people and were thrown out of the village. The local MLA and Chief Parliamentary Secretary in the state government Ram Pal Majra has extended full support to the attackers as they were his supporters, they alleged.

“The NHRC has felt that the allegations, if true, are of a very serious nature and show grave violation of human rights of the Dalits in the village,” an NHRC note said here today.

The commission thus directed its Director-General (Investigations) to constitute an investigation team from the investigation division of the NHRC which would go to the site and conduct an inquiry into the allegations expeditiously. The team should also collect all relevant records from the district administration and the police and prepare its report within three weeks for the NHRC perusal. UNI