- Commission seeks detailed reports from State DGPs on the killing of a differently-abled RTI activist in Gujarat and attacks on three journalists in Kerala, Manipur and Tripura
- Acts underline NHRC’s firm stand on protecting freedom of expression and the right to life and dignity
- Calls for accountability and swift action to prevent recurrence of such human rights violations
NE LEGAL BUREAU
NEW DELHI, OCT 22
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India, has taken suo motu cognizance of two disturbing sets of incidents — the alleged murder of a differently-abled RTI activist in Gujarat’s Tharad district and attacks on three journalists in Kerala, Manipur, and Tripura — raising grave concerns over the safety of human rights defenders and the freedom of the press in the country.
RTI Activist’s Death in Gujarat: NHRC Seeks Report from State DGP
Taking serious note of media reports, the NHRC has initiated action over the reported abduction and killing of a differently-abled RTI activist in Tharad district, Gujarat, earlier this month. According to reports, the activist was allegedly abducted by unidentified persons near his residence on October 12, 2025, and his body was later found in a canal on October 14, 2025.
The Commission observed that the contents of the news report, if true, indicate a serious violation of human rights and the possible targeting of a whistleblower. Accordingly, it has issued a notice to the Director General of Police, Gujarat, calling for a detailed report within two weeks.
Preliminary reports suggest that the victim had been active in exposing irregularities in a slum redevelopment project under the Public-Private Partnership scheme, including complaints about forged beneficiary documents and other alleged malpractices by local builders.
The NHRC has emphasized that the safety of RTI activists and those exposing corruption must be ensured, as their work directly serves the public interest. It stated that such incidents, if unchecked, could have a chilling effect on transparency and civic participation in governance.
NHRC acts on attacks against journalists in Kerala, Manipur, and Tripura
In a separate move, the NHRC has also taken suo motu cognizance of media reports on attacks against journalists across three states — Kerala, Manipur, and Tripura — on 30th August and 21st September, 2025. The Commission has issued notices to the Directors General of Police of all three states, seeking comprehensive reports within two weeks.
The incidents highlight a concerning pattern of violence against members of the press in different regions of the country:
- In Tripura, a journalist was assaulted with sticks and sharp weapons by a group of miscreants while attending a clothes distribution programme organized by a political party in Hezamara, West Tripura. His motorcycle was also stolen in the attack.
- In Manipur, another journalist was shot twice with an air gun while covering a flower festival in Laii Village, Senapati District, resulting in serious injuries.
- In Kerala, a journalist returning from a wedding in Mangattukavala near Thodupuzha was beaten by a mob, sustaining multiple injuries.
In all three cases, the victims were hospitalized and police cases were registered. The Commission has underlined that attacks on journalists constitute an assault on freedom of expression, a core tenet of democracy, and therefore require urgent investigation and accountability.
Commission’s call for accountability and preventive measures
The NHRC has stressed that violence against journalists and activists not only violates their individual rights but also undermines democratic governance. It reiterated that the right to life, liberty, and personal security, as guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution of India, must be upheld by the State in every circumstance.
The Commission has directed the concerned DGPs to ensure:
- Thorough and impartial investigations into all incidents.
- Protection of victims, witnesses, and families from intimidation.
- Disciplinary action where negligence or complicity by officials is established.
- Institutional safeguards to prevent recurrence of such violations.
Safeguarding Rights Defenders and Journalists: A National Priority
The NHRC’s swift action reflects its growing emphasis on protecting the rights of journalists, whistleblowers, and human rights defenders who play a crucial role in promoting transparency and accountability in public life.
Such interventions reinforce the Commission’s commitment to ensuring that every citizen, regardless of profession or ability, can live and work without fear of reprisal.
By seeking accountability from state authorities, the NHRC has once again underlined its role as a watchdog of human dignity and freedom, reminding all institutions that justice delayed is justice denied — especially for those who serve the public interest through truth and transparency.
In essence, the two suo motu actions taken this week mark a strong reaffirmation of the NHRC’s mission to uphold human rights and freedom of expression in India — ensuring that the voice of the vulnerable and the vigilant remains protected under the rule of law.
