NHRC India probes complaint of harassment in Lagacharla
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in India has received a complaint from residents of Lagacharla village in Vikarabad district, Telangana. The complaint alleges police harassment, physical abuse, and false criminal charges against the villagers. These actions are said to have occurred after the villagers protested against the state’s land acquisition for a proposed “Pharma Village” without following proper procedures. Many of the victims belong to the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Communities. At least 12 victims have submitted the complaint to the Commission, seeking intervention to prevent starvation.
According to the complaint, on November 11, 2024, the District Collector and other officials arrived in Lagacharla village to announce the forcible land acquisition for the Pharma project. Later that evening, hundreds of police personnel, accompanied by local goons, allegedly raided the village and assaulted the protesters, including pregnant women. Internet services and electricity supply were reportedly shut down to prevent communication for help. The police allegedly filed false complaints and FIRs against the villagers, causing some victims to flee their homes and seek shelter in forests and farmlands without access to food, medical aid, or basic amenities.
Recognizing the seriousness of the allegations, the NHRC has issued notices to the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police in Telangana, demanding a detailed report within two weeks. The report should include the status of the FIRs, individuals in judicial custody, and information on villagers who are hiding in forests without basic amenities. The Commission also expects information on whether medical examinations were conducted on the victimized women and if they received medical care.
To investigate the matter further, the NHRC has decided to send a joint team of its Law and Investigation officers for an on-the-spot inquiry. The team is expected to submit a report within one week. The State government’s decision to unilaterally acquire 1,374 acres of land for the Pharma Village has sparked controversy. The land, which belongs to SC/ST and OBC communities and has been owned for generations, is fertile agricultural land. The farmers have been protesting against the acquisition for more than four to five months, as the previous government had already acquired 16,000 acres for an ultra-modern Pharma City.
In conclusion, the NHRC is actively addressing the complaint from Lagacharla village, seeking justice for the victims and conducting a thorough investigation into the alleged human rights violations.
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