The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken action following allegations of a 26-year-old Dalit youth being assaulted and lynched in Uttam Nagar, Delhi, during Holi celebrations. The incident, which occurred on March 4, stemmed from a minor dispute between two families during the festive occasion. Despite apologies from the victim’s family, a group of 15-20 individuals reportedly attacked the youth on his way home, using bricks, stones, and iron rods, resulting in severe injuries. Tragically, the victim passed away due to his injuries while receiving medical treatment.
The complainant has urged the NHRC to intervene, calling for a thorough investigation into the incident, the identification and prosecution of all involved perpetrators, protection for the victim’s family, and adequate compensation for the bereaved family. The NHRC, noting potential human rights violations in the case, has issued notices to the District Magistrate (West Delhi) and the Commissioner of Police, Delhi, under Section 12 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993. The directive includes instructions for a comprehensive and unbiased investigation, ensuring the identification and prosecution of all suspects, and assessing the safety needs of the victim’s family as crucial witnesses.
In response to the situation, the NHRC has requested the preservation of all pertinent evidence, including social media content, images, and videos that could serve as proof. Authorities have been instructed to secure CCTV footage from the area, maintain the crime scene, and collect relevant forensic evidence like fingerprints, footprints, and objects allegedly used in the assault. The NHRC has demanded an Action Taken Report (ATR) within two weeks for review and has asked for the report to be sent via email for further examination.
