NHRC notice to DGP and Chief Secretary on Mainpuri violence report

LUCKNOW: National Human Rights Commission ( NHRC) has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report that tension prevailed in Mainpuri district after rumours of cow slaughter triggered violence on October 7 and served notices to DGP and Chief Secretary.

"NHRC has served notices to the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police, Government of Uttar Pradesh calling for a report in the matter within two weeks," an NHRC release issued here said.

According to the report published on October 10, protesters had vandalized properties, targeted police vehicles and resorted to arson. Seven policemen were also injured in the incident.

"The Commission has observed that the reported incident, if true, is a serious issue disturbing the secular fabric of the country. State should take all possible steps, both preventive and punitive, to create an atmosphere of peace in society so that the cherished fundamental right of freedom of conscience and free profession, practice and propagation of religion does not come under any threat," the release said.

Twenty-one people were arrested for violence even as the Circle Officer was suspended for alleged laxity and an FIR had been lodged against 29 people and 250 unidentified people in connection with the incident.