National Human Rights Commission: The National Human Rights Commission has taken suo motu cognizance of media reports that on 1st April, 2017 in Behror area of Alwar on National Highway-8 in Rajasthan, a group of so-called Gau Rakshaks attacked some persons dubbing them as cattle smugglers, though they were dairy farmers carrying cows, legally purchased under a receipt and stamp of Jaipur Municipal Corporation. The brutal assault resulted in the death of a person. However, reportedly, Rajasthan police have registered an FIR against the victims of assault for illegally transporting cattle for slaughter.
The Commission has issued a notice to the Chief Secretary, Rajasthan calling for a detailed report in the matter along with action taken against the culprits. A notice has also been issued to the Union Home Secretary, calling for a response as to what steps have been taken or proposed to be taken by the Centre to deal with such incidents in the country. The response is expected within four weeks.
The Commission has observed that the contents of the media reports are painful. This is a serious issue of violation of human rights of the victims. Self-proclaimed volunteers creating an atmosphere of fear in society by taking law in their hands are required to be dealt with strictly as per law. The State has a responsibility to remain vigilant to prevent such activities. It has also observed that this incident is not the first of its kind, which has come to its notice. Earlier, in a similar incident, four Dalit boys, possessing beef, were severely beaten up and dragged in the Gir Somnath district of Gujarat in the month of July, 2016. The matter is already under its consideration. Reportedly, the family members of the deceased, a dairy farmer, stated that the victims showed the attackers the receipt of legally purchased cows but they continued to thrash them. They snatched their wallets and cash of about Rupees one lakh as well as cell phones.
National Human Rights Commission
