New Delhi/Meerut: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued notices to the Uttar Pradesh Director General of Police (DGP) and the State Home Secretary over allegations of excessive police force during a protest in Meerut on July 8. The demonstration was held to demand justice in the alleged murder of a 20-year-old Dalit woman, Lalita Gautam.
Taking cognisance of a complaint filed under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, the Commission has directed the Uttar Pradesh government to submit an Action Taken Report (ATR) within 15 days.
NHRC Takes Cognisance of Complaint
The notices were issued by an NHRC Bench headed by Member Priyank Kanoongo after taking cognisance of a complaint submitted by Sunil Ahirwar, a resident of Bhopal.
The complaint was filed under Section 12 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, alleging that police used excessive force against protesters during the demonstration in Meerut.
The Commission has sought responses from:
- Uttar Pradesh Director General of Police (DGP)
- Uttar Pradesh Home Secretary
Both authorities have been asked to submit an action taken report for the Commission’s consideration within 15 days.
Read also: Who Is IPS Avinash Pandey? Meerut SSP at Centre of Viral Slapping Row and Political Storm
Allegations of Excessive Police Force
According to the complaint, police allegedly carried out an “unprovoked, brutal lathi-charge” on participants of what was described as a peaceful public protest.
The complaint alleges that:
- Several protesters sustained serious injuries.
- Police used excessive force without provocation.
- The demonstration was peaceful and aimed at seeking justice in the murder case.
The complainant further alleged that videos circulated on social media appeared to show senior police officials assaulting individuals who had already been taken into custody.
According to the complaint, if verified, such actions could amount to custodial torture and violations of fundamental human rights.
Reliefs Sought by the Complainant
The complaint before the NHRC has sought multiple forms of relief, including:
- An independent inquiry into the alleged police action.
- Verification of viral videos to identify those responsible.
- Medical treatment and rehabilitation for injured protesters.
- Financial compensation for victims.
- Departmental and criminal action against police personnel found guilty.
The Commission will examine the government’s response before deciding its next course of action.
Protest Over Lalita Gautam Murder Case
The protest in Meerut was organised following the alleged murder of Lalita Gautam, a 20-year-old BA final-year student.
According to police, Lalita went missing on May 15 after leaving home for college. Her body was later recovered from a sugarcane field.
The investigation led to the arrest of:
- Ankush Kumar, identified by police as the woman’s boyfriend, who is accused of murdering her following an argument.
- Another accused, who was arrested for allegedly assisting in destroying evidence.
However, Lalita’s family has expressed dissatisfaction with the investigation.
Family Demands Wider Investigation
The victim’s family has questioned the police investigation and demanded:
- Arrest of all persons allegedly involved in the crime.
- A fair, impartial and comprehensive investigation.
- Justice for Lalita Gautam.
The protest on July 8 was held to press these demands before authorities.
NHRC to Examine Government’s Response
With the issuance of notices, the NHRC has formally sought the Uttar Pradesh government’s version regarding the allegations.
The Commission’s next course of action will depend on the Action Taken Report submitted by the State Home Department and the Director General of Police.
The matter is expected to remain under the Commission’s scrutiny as it assesses whether further inquiry or additional directions are required.
Background: Protest, Lathi-Charge and Viral Slapping Video
The NHRC notice stems from the July 8 protest over the murder of Lalita Gautam, a 20-year-old BA final-year student from Meerut who went missing on May 15 and was later found dead in a sugarcane field. Although police arrested her alleged boyfriend and another accused, the victim’s family alleged that not all those involved had been arrested and demanded a fair investigation.
As members of the Dalit community and various organisations staged a protest outside the Meerut Collectorate seeking justice, the situation turned tense when protesters insisted on meeting senior district officials. Police resorted to a lathi-charge and detained several demonstrators. The controversy escalated after a viral video allegedly showed Meerut SSP Avinash Pandey, an IPS officer of 2015 batch, slapping a detained protester inside a police vehicle, drawing widespread criticism and bringing the police action under scrutiny. While the SSP defended the action, claiming the protest had turned violent and that outsiders were attempting to disturb law and order, protesters maintained that their demonstration was peaceful. The alleged use of excessive force and the viral slapping incident later became key grounds in the complaint on which the NHRC has now sought a report from the Uttar Pradesh government.
