The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has served notices to Uttar Pradesh’s DGP and Home Secretary after allegations that police unleashed an ‘unprovoked, brutal lathi‑charge’ on a peaceful protest demanding justice for a Dalit woman’s murder, leaving several demonstrators seriously injured.

Key Takeaways

  • NHRC orders Uttar Pradesh DGP and Home Secretary to submit an action‑taken report within 15 days.
  • Complaint alleges police used excessive, unprovoked lathi‑charge, causing severe injuries to protesters.
  • Viral videos purportedly show senior officers assaulting detainees, raising accusations of custodial torture.

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on July 10, 2026 issued formal notices to the Director General of Police (DGP) of Uttar Pradesh and the state’s Home Secretary. The notices stem from allegations that police employed an ‘unprovoked, brutal lathi‑charge’ during a demonstration in Meerut on July 8, which was meant to demand justice in the murder case of a Dalit woman.

Background of the Incident

Sunil Ahirwar of Bhopal filed the complaint under Section 12 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993. He asserted that the protest, described as peaceful, was met with a sudden, violent lathi‑charge that left multiple participants with serious injuries. Social‑media videos widely circulated showing senior police officers striking individuals already in custody, prompting claims of custodial torture and a breach of personal dignity.

NHRC’s Response and Demands

A bench led by member Priyank Kanoongo took cognizance of the filing and directed the Uttar Pradesh Home Secretary and the DGP to submit a detailed action‑taken report within 15 days for further consideration. The complainant seeks an independent probe, verification of the viral videos to identify accountable officers, immediate medical care and rehabilitation for the injured, financial compensation, and both criminal and departmental action against any police personnel found responsible.

Context of the Protest

The demonstration was linked to the alleged murder of 20‑year‑old Dalit student Lalita Gautam from MeerUT. She disappeared on May 15 after leaving home for college; her body was later discovered in a sugarcane field. Police arrested her alleged boyfriend, Ankush Kumar, accusing him of the killing, and later detained another individual for purportedly destroying evidence. However, Lalita’s family has questioned the investigation, demanding arrests of all involved and a comprehensive, impartial inquiry.

Implications and Future Outlook

If NHRC’s investigation confirms police excess, it could erode public confidence in law‑enforcement’s handling of Dalit‑related cases and amplify calls for systemic reforms. The episode also underscores the delicate balance between maintaining public order and safeguarding constitutional rights during mass mobilisations.