NHRC issues notice to U.P. DGP, Home Secretary over alleged police excess during Meerut protest
The Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Friday (July 10, 2026) issued notices to the Uttar Pradesh Director General of Police (DGP) and the State Home
The Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Friday (July 10, 2026) issued notices to the Uttar Pradesh Director General of Police (DGP) and the State Home Secretary over allegations that police used excessive force against protesters during a demonstration in Meerut held on July 8 demanding justice in the murder case of a Dalit woman. The notice was issued after an NHRC Bench headed by member Priyank Kanoongo took cognisance of a complaint filed by Sunil Ahirwar of Bhopal under Section 12 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993.
Report in 15 days The Commission directed the U.P Home Secretary and the DGP to submit an action taken report within 15 days for its consideration. According to the complaint, police carried out an “unprovoked, brutal lathi-charge” on participants in what was described as a peaceful public demonstration, that left several protesters with severe injuries. It further alleged that videos widely circulated on social media appeared to show senior police officers assaulting individuals who had already been taken into custody. The complaint claimed that such actions amounted to custodial torture and reflected a breakdown of the rule of law as well as a violation of personal dignity.
Seek independent probe The complainant sought an independent inquiry into the incident, verification of viral videos to establish individual accountability, immediate medical treatment and rehabilitation for those injured, financial compensation for the victims, and criminal as well as departmental action against police personnel found responsible. The protest was held in connection with the alleged murder of Lalita Gautam, a 20-year-old BA final-year student from Meerut. She went missing on May 15 after leaving home to attend college, and her body was later found in a sugarcane field.
Police arrested her alleged boyfriend, Ankush Kumar, claiming he killed her following an argument, and later arrested another person for allegedly helping destroy evidence. However, her family questioned the police investigation, demanded the arrest of all those involved, and sought a fair and comprehensive probe into the case.
The BriefWire