NHRC issues notice to Tamil Nadu officials about deaths at election rallies
The NHRC calls for detailed reports within two weeks and seeks an explanation for the deaths
Chennai: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Monday issued notices to the Tamil Nadu chief secretary and director general of police (DGP) after five people died at political rallies because of scorching heat.
The rallies, in the run-up to the 16 May state assembly election, were addressed by chief minister and All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) general secretary J Jayalalithaa in various districts.
The NHRC has called for detailed reports within two weeks and sought an explanation for the deaths.
District collectors’ orders that the public should not venture out from 11am to 4pm because of a heatwave were violated, NHRC said in a press release.
The Election Commission too had advised political parties to take adequate precautions in conducting public meetings during summer.
“While political parties have every right to organise public meetings, it is also the duty of the state/district administration, while granting permissions for such meetings, to take all necessary steps considering the safety and security issues in mind," NHRC said.
After a rally on 15 April at Virudhachalam, many people reportedly fainted, resulting in panic and a stampede. More than 10 people were hospitalised following the incident.
On 21 April, the opposition Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) moved the NHRC to take notice of what it called “gross violations" in the election campaign of chief minister Jayalalithaa.
Actor Vijayakanth’s Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam and Pattali Makkal Katchi also wrote to the NHRC last week to take action over the deaths at election rallies.
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