NHRC issues notice to chief secretary Rajeev Kumar

Taking suo motu cognizance of media reports about the spate in killing of criminals in alleged encounters and the state government stand of improving law and order, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) issued a notice to Chief Secretary Rajeev Kumar calling for a detailed report in this regard within six weeks.

A NHRC communiqué mentioned that as per official statistics on October 5, 2017, a total of 433 such encounters occurred over a period of six months starting from March, 2017 when the present government came into existence. 

A total 19 alleged criminals were killed in these encounters and 89 were injured. Besides, 98 officials were also injured and one lost his life. 

Another news story of September 16, 2017 said that 15 persons had been killed in encounters since the new government came to power in Uttar Pradesh. The state government reportedly described these encounters as an achievement and a proof of improving law and order. 

The Chief Minister was quoted in a newspaper on November 19, 2017, saying that ‘criminals will be jailed or killed in encounters’.

The Commission noted that it has also received intimation about 22 encounter deaths from the UP Police brass till date, as per its standing guidelines. It observed that even if law and order situation was grave, the state could not resort to such a mechanism, which may result in extra judicial killings of alleged criminals. 

The reported statement of Chief Minister tantamounts to giving police and other state-governed forces, a free hand to deal with the criminals at their will and possibly, it may result into abuse of power by public servants, the communique said. 

The NHRC while issuing the notice to the UP government said that it was not good for a civilized society to develop an atmosphere of fear, emerging out of certain policies adopted by the state, which may result into violation of their right to life and equality before law.