NHRC notice to Tamil Nadu govt over Nellai self-immolation

CHENNAI: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued notices to the Chief Secretary and Director-General of Police, Tamil Nadu, District Collector and Superintendent of Police, Tirunelveli, to submit a report within four weeks on a family of four setting themselves ablaze on Monday.

The rights body took cognisance of a complaint that explained how the labourer, Isakkimuthu, accompanied by his wife and two children, went to the Collector’s Office, Tirunelveli, on Monday and during the meeting, set himself and his family on fire by pouring kerosene. The family suffered severe burn injuries and were taken to the hospital. All four succumbed to injuries.

The victim allegedly submitted petitions to the Collector, Tirunelveli, at six weekly grievance redressal meetings seeking police intervention in the matter. However, it was alleged, the local police began harassing the victim’s family in connivance with the moneylender.

“It is not only shocking but also displays total lack of responsibilities on part of the police and the other concerned officials,” the notice said. “It transpires that in many parts of the State, usurious interest rate is being charged by the moneylenders and in the event, the borrowers fail to pay the interest, they are physically and mentally harassed. Further, the concerned authorities are not taking appropriate action in the matter; rather people are being harassed by the police in connivance with moneylenders.”