NHRC Seeks Action Taken Report in Police Brutality Case Involving Two Students in Varanasi


 

NHRC Seeks Action Taken Report in Police Brutality Case Involving Two Students in Varanasi

📅 Date: July 2, 2025
✍️ By: PVCHR Editorial Desk
📌 Location: Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has officially taken cognizance of a serious complaint filed by Dr. Lenin Raghuvanshi, a noted human rights defender and founder of the People’s Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR), regarding alleged police brutality against two students in Varanasi.

The complaint, dated March 7, 2025, alleges that a police officer from Sankat Mochan Police Station brutally assaulted two students following a dispute between student groups. A disturbing video of the assault surfaced shortly after the incident, prompting internal suspension of the officer in question. However, the complaint further notes that the accused officer attempted to manipulate the investigation by leaking CCTV footage, allegedly in an effort to discredit the original inquiry and sway public opinion.

In response, the NHRC, in its official communication dated July 2, 2025, has issued a directive to the Commissioner of Police, Varanasi, seeking an Action Taken Report (ATR) within four weeks. The directive states:

"Let a copy of the complaint be transmitted to the CP, Varanasi, UP calling for an Action Taken Report within four weeks... The complaint alleges that despite the accused being suspended after an internal investigation, he tried to influence the inquiry by leaking CCTV footage."
— NHRC Communication, Case No. 3745/24/72/2025

The Commission’s communication has been signed by Indrajeet Kumar, Deputy Registrar (Law), NHRC, and sent to both the Commissioner of Police, Varanasi, and Dr. Lenin Raghuvanshi.

This development underlines the critical role that civil society plays in holding state institutions accountable, particularly in cases of state-sponsored violence or abuse of power. It also reinforces the legal responsibility of authorities to uphold constitutional values and human dignity, especially when vulnerable populations such as students are involved.

PVCHR remains committed to closely following up on this case and supporting victims of custodial abuse and institutional violence. We urge the Varanasi Police to cooperate fully with the Commission and uphold the principles of justice, transparency, and accountability.

📢 Call to Action

If you or someone you know has experienced police brutality or unlawful detention, you can:

📚 Stay informed. Stand in solidarity. Speak for justice.

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