Poll campaign deaths: NHRC notice to TN

The NHRC has taken cognizance of a complaint that several people were gathered, forced and threatened to sit for political rallies, in open fields under the scorching sun, for four to five hours without drinking water and other basic facilities leading to injuries and loss of lives, amounting to violation of basic and fundamental human rights. It said this had allegedly happened despite the District Collectors’ orders that public should not venture out from 11 am to 4 pm due to scorching heat. 

The Commission has issued notices calling for detailed reports about the circumstances leading to the unfortunate incidents. A NHRC release here said, the Commission has also directed them to take all necessary measures to prevent recurrence of such incidents in future. The Commission observed that the allegations were serious and the incidents, if true, were indeed unfortunate. 

“While political parties, especially during the election period, have every right to organise public meetings, it is also the duty of the State/ District administration, while granting permissions for such meetings, to take all necessary steps considering the safety and security issues in mind,” it said.  

Allegedly, for three public rallies on the April 11, 15 and 20 in Cuddalore, Virudhunagar and Salem districts, people were forced and threatened to assemble as early as 11 am in the heat, although, the meetings were to start after 3 pm, it said. It said many people fainted at Vridhachalam rally in Cuddalore district.