The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of India has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report alleging that on January 20, 2023, two female police officers openly beat up a 70-year-old man with batons in Bihar’s Kaimur district.
The victim, a private school teacher who has been employed for a few years, was on his way to work when his bicycle slipped, causing him to fall to the ground and briefly jam up traffic as he attempted to get to his feet. As a result, both of the engaged police officers started beating him in front of the general public.
The specifics of the media report and a video of the occurrence appear to raise serious concerns regarding the victim’s right to life and dignity, the Commission has highlighted.
The government workers allegedly went beyond what was acceptable and acted in a way that had little to do with doing their official jobs. As is required of public authorities, they must be given rigorous treatment and sensitised to handle such situations sensibly and sympathetically.
As a result, the Commission has sent letters to the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police, Bihar, demanding thorough information on the situation within the next four weeks.
The report should include a summary of any departmental actions that have been taken or are being considered, as well as the current status of the FIR that has been filed against the responsible police personnel.
