The National Commission for Scheduled Castes has issued notices to the Punjab Chief Secretary and Director General of Police over alleged police excesses against sanitation workers belonging to the Scheduled Caste community in Barnala, Punjab.
The Commission has asked them to submit an action taken report within seven days. It said failure to submit the report within the stipulated period could result in the concerned officials being summoned to appear before it in person.
The notices were issued on a complaint filed by Hardeep Singh Gill.
Taking cognisance of a complaint alleging excessive use of force, the rights panel said the allegations, prima facie, pointed to a violation of the workers’ human rights.
The complaint alleged that police used unwarranted force against sanitation workers, including women, who were peacefully protesting on Jul 22 over demands for regularisation of services, better wages and job security.
A bench headed by NHRC member Priyank Kanoongo directed the Punjab chief secretary and the DGP to explain the circumstances under which the lathicharge was ordered, the reasons for using force and the authority that approved it. The commission also sought a copy of the written order, if any, authorising the action.