National Human Rights Commission seeks report from Centre, Delhi government on Somnath Bharti incident

NEW DELHI: National Human Rights Commission today sought reports from the Home Ministry, Delhi Government and city police in connection with alleged incidents of "racial prejudice" and "unlawful acts" against some African nationals in South Delhi. According to an NHRC statement released today, notices in this connection were issue to Secretary, Union Ministry of Home Affairs, Chief Secretary, Government of NCT Delhi and Delhi Police Commissioner. They have been given three days' time to submit a report in this regard.

It was apparently referring to a midnight raid against African women by a group led by Delhi Law Minister Somnath Bharti which accused them of being involved in prostitution and drug racket in Khirki Extension Area.

"In the wake of media reports alleging attacks and the acts of discrimination against African nationals, the National Human Rights Commission has condemned any act of discrimination against any caste, colour, race, sex etc," the statement said. Taking suo motu cognisance of media reports alleging incidents of racial prejudice and unlawful acts against the African nationals, the Commission observed that the contents of press report, if true, raise a serious issue of violation of human rights.

In one report it is stated that people threw stones on the African nationals and hundreds of people of African descent are going through nightmarish experience daily in Khirki Extension in Delhi. "In another report it is also alleged that some women were held captive in taxis for hours and then were forced to undergo medical examination at the hospital in the capital. The Nigerian High Commissioner of India has demanded action against perpetrators of this act," the statement said.