Human rights defender Mrs K. Saraswathy has been subjected to attacks, death threats, attempted murder and a campaign of public defamation as a result of her human rights activities in Tamil Nadu State, India. K. Saraswathy is the District Organiser for the Tiruvallur District of the Citizens for Human Rights Movement (CHRM). She has a long history of community service and defending human rights in her district through the establishment of medical services, empowerment of women and provision of relief to victims in the aftermath of the 2004 tsunami. On 19 June 2010, K. Saraswathy and her two daughters were publicly subjected to death threats, assault and humiliation near their home in Ennore, in the Tiruvallur District of Tamil Nadu. The alleged perpetrators, Mr Venkatesan - President of the Panchayat, a local governmental body - and his brother, reportedly threatened to beat the three women to death and smear their blood and body parts all over the walls, physically assaulted them, and threatened to stab them with a knife. K. Saraswathy's eldest daughter was also allegedly taunted about the age of her husband and threatened with rape. This latest incident forms part of an ongoing campaign of threats, violence, and public humiliation against K. Saraswathy and her family which dates back to 2007. According to the information received, the hostility generated by Mr Venkatesan stems from the refusal of K. Saraswathy to give him a donation from funds which had been given to her by an NGO for distribution to local fishermen in order to support their livelihoods. Numerous false complaints were subsequently filed against K. Saraswathy alleging that she had misappropriated funds from self-help groups. Due to Mr Venkatesan's influence over the local police, a First Information Report (FIR) was filed against her, allegedly without any inquiry being conducted. On 14 October 2010, a kangaroo court was held, in which Mr Venkatesan and other local leaders demanded that K. Saraswathy admit to stealing the funds. During the hearing, which was reportedly held outdoors before the public, K. Saraswathy was denied water and anyone who attempted to bring it to her was punished, which eventually caused her to faint. Mr Venkatesan subsequently ordered a social boycott against K Saraswathy and her family, and banished them from the town. Since then, K. Saraswathy's home has been physically attacked by local villagers and her daughters have been subjected to physical and verbal abuse as a result of the accusations against her. Complaints lodged with the police regarding their treatment have been unsuccessful: the local police have reportedly informed her that they are unable to help her, thus granting the perpetrators of these attacks against K. Saraswathy immunity in their campaign against her. Front Line believes that the campaign of death threats, attacks, defamation and humiliation against K. Saraswathy are directly related to her legitimate work in defence of human rights. Front Line is concerned for the physical and psychological integrity of K. Saraswathy and her family.