NHRC issues notice to Kolkata Police chief over 'brutal force' used during protests

NHRC seeks action report from Kolkata Police Commissioner over excessive force on protesters, triggering nationwide protests.

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued a notice to the Kolkata Police Commissioner over the alleged use of excessive and brutal force on August 27 on protesters, who were demonstrating to demand justice for the victim in the RG Kar Medical College rape-murder case.

The NHRC has sought an action-taken report from the Police Commissioner in two weeks.

The notice was issued on Thursday (August 29) following a complaint from one O.P. Vyas from the Bharatiya Human Rights Initiative (BHIM).

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In his complaint, Mr. Vyas has alleged that on August 27, during the "Nabanna Abhijan" protests in Kolkata organised by students demanding justice in the RG Kar Medical College case, "police used excessive and brutal force" on the protesters during their peaceful demonstration.

"Over 200 students were arrested and subjected to brutal physical assaults, many sustaining serious injuries. This action violated their right to peaceful assembly and reflected a grave disregard for human rights. The complainant requests that steps be taken to ensure the protection of the students' rights and to provide compensation to the victims," the complaint reads.

Watch: Kolkata Nabanna protest: Police lathi-charge, use tear gas, water cannons to protesters