Police excesses on jallikattu supporters in Chennai: NHRC issues notice to Tamil Nadu govt

CHENNAI: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognizance of reports that police resorted to beating, arresting and damaging private property to disperse a large number of pro-jallikattu protesters in Chennai on Monday.
The human rights body said on Tuesday it had taken a serious view of the unprovoked police excesses and issued notices to the chief secretary, the director general of police, the Tamil Nadu government and the Chennai police commissioner calling for reports.They should submit the reports within two weeks.
The commission observed that the unprovoked police action amounted to violation of human rights.
“The people of Tamil Nadu, particularly in Chennai, had been conducting protests over a weak demanding the conduct of jallikattu, a sport associated with Pongal festival reflecting Tamil culture. All through, the protest was peaceful. The protectionists on Marina Beach never exceeded their fundamental rights,” said the NHRC in a statement.
It said the visuals on television news channels showed that police set huts, autos, two-wheelers, vegetable shops and other properties on fire.
It said bleeding students had run for their lives. Police had entered houses and beat people indiscriminately. They had blocked major roads leading to Marina Beach and other parts of the city, the NHRC said.
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