NHRC issues summons to Chhattisgarh police chief over activist’s arrest

The NHRC took cognisance of the complaint on March 31 and the police chief to submit an action taken report within four weeks.

Updated on: Aug 20, 2021, 07:12:01 IST

By Ritesh Mishra, Hindustan TImes, Raipur

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The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has summoned Chhattisgarh Police chief D M Awasthi on October 21 with sought action taken reports on the arrest of activist Hidme Markam in Dantewada under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) in March this year.

File photo: Chhattisgarh Police chief D M Awasthi. (@dmawasthi_IPS86/Twitter)

The summons in this regard was issued on August 16 based on a complaint by the People Union For Civil Liberties (PUCL) and other activists.

“The Commission observes that despite direction and reminders, the said authority has failed to submit the requisite report till date. Taking serious view of the same, the commission directs to issue summons to the DGP (director general of police Awasthi) under section 13 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, to appear before the commission...” the NHRC order read.

The human rights panel, however, said that Awasthi’s appearance will not be required if the concerned reports are submitted before October 14. Awasthi said he is looking into the matter and that a report will be submitted on time.

In their complaint, the PUCL alleged that Markam, 28, was picked up on March 9 over an event to mark International Women’s Day. “Later the victim was shown as arrested in four cases involving serious charges, including charges under UAPA without following due process/guidelines of arrest laid down by the apex court ...,” the complaint read.

Dantewada Police superintendent Abhishek Pallava claimed all due process for arrest as per the law was followed. “She was accused of four serious offences, including a case under UAPA. She has been arrested and is in judicial custody,” he said.

Taking cognisance of the complaint on March 31, the NHRC had directed Awasthi to submit an action taken report within four weeks. Awasthi, however, failed to submit the same.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ritesh Mishra
Ritesh Mishra is the State Correspondent for Chhattisgarh with Hindustan Times. He reports on Maoism, internal security, politics, mining, governance, and major developments shaping the state. Based in Raipur, he has covered Chhattisgarh since 2016, reporting extensively from the Bastar region and other conflict-affected areas. With nearly two decades of experience in journalism, Ritesh has built a reputation for ground reporting from some of India's most challenging terrains. His coverage spans Left-Wing Extremism, counter-insurgency operations, elections, tribal affairs, environmental issues, infrastructure, mining, and socio-economic developments. He has reported on major security operations, policy initiatives, wildlife crime, and the changing dynamics of conflict and development in Central India. Before moving to Chhattisgarh, Ritesh spent eight years reporting from Madhya Pradesh, covering politics, administration, crime, development, and social issues. Throughout his career, he has reported on various forms of extremism in Central India, combining field reporting with in-depth analysis to produce accurate, balanced, and impactful journalism. Prior to joining Hindustan Times, Ritesh worked with The Pioneer and The Free Press Journal, where he covered a wide range of beats and honed his skills in political, investigative, and field reporting. His reporting is marked by exclusive stories, extensive fieldwork, and a commitment to factual, on-the-ground journalism that brings complex issues to a wider audience.Read More

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