India: RTI activist severely beaten
Event- Country
- India
- Initial Date
- Nov 15, 2021
- Event Description
About the Human Rights Defender: Mr. Abdul Rashid is a resident of Kirdoli village in Sikar district of Rajasthan. He has filed RTIs with regards to development works in his village and has helped victims of atrocities seek justice. Background of the Incident: Approximately three months ago, Mr. Rashid had filed RTIs seeking information on the allotment of pattas (land titles) in his village of Kirdoli. On November 14, 2021, the first appeal officer provided information on the same which showed that the pattas had been allotted to benefit the current sarpanch of the panchayat at Kirdoli, Ms. Haseena and her family. The RTI also revealed that the inquiry officer at district development office had found the panchayat guilty of the act. Details of the Incident: On November 15, 2021, Mr. Rashid and his friend Mr. Javed were on their way to Sikar from their village Kirdoli. At around 9 AM, about 200 meters from Chailasi Bus Stand, a white SUV (Scorpio) overtook their car and blocked their way. At the same time, another SUV (Bolero) blocked the path of the car from behind. Around 10 - 12 men emerged from both the SUVs armed with sticks, iron rods and pipes. They pulled the HRD out and started beating him with the intent to kill. They also smashed his car. One of the assaulters that the HRD could identifi was Mr. Imran, who tried to hit the HRD on the head, but the HRD managed to shield himself by raising his arms. His friend tried to stop the attackers but was also beaten up by the group. The group inflicted multiple blows to the HRD’s hands and legs. The attackers openly told the HRD that they had been sent my Mr. Maksood, who is the husband of the Sarpanch Ms. Haseena. During the attack men in the group told him that the attack was a consequence of his RTIs against them. The brutal attack rendered the HRD unconscious. His friend, Mr. Javed, called up other friends and relatives and the HRD was rushed to SK Hospital in Sikar. The doctors stated that his situation was grave and shifted him to Sawai Mansingh Hospital in Jaipur, where he received treatment for his injuries. Bones in both his hands and legs were broken as result of the attack. He is currently recovering from his injuries. On November 15, 2021, since the HRD was in an unconscious state, his friend, Mr. Javed, filed an official police complaint based on which the police registered an FIR (0400) at Sikar police station under sections 143 (unlawful assembly), 323 (causing voluntary hurt), 341 (wrongful restraint), 327 (voluntarily causes hurt, for the purpose of extorting from the sufferer), 427 (Mischief leading loss and damage). Till date, the police have only arrested two persons involved in the incident, while the Sarpanch and her family continue to be out. According to the HRD, among the group of men there were nephews of Mr. Maksood - Mr. Ekram and Mr. Nizamuddin. Mr. Nizamuddin’s son Mr. Javed was also part of the group. The way the attack was carried out shows a clear intent to kill the HRD. The police, however, have not shown the alarm and urgency that such a heinous assault should register. The attackers should be booked and arrested under section 307 (attempt to murder), which is a non-bailable offence as well as a cognizable offence.
- Impact of Event
- 1
- Gender of HRD
- Man
- Violation
- Violence (physical)
- Wounds and Injuries
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of expression
- Offline
- Right to healthy and safe environment
- Right to information
- Freedom of expression
- HRD
- RTI activist
- Perpetrator-Non-State
- Non-state
- Source
Case shared by FORUM-ASIA member People's Watch
- Monitoring Status
- Pending
- Event Location
Latitude: 27.610760847487946
Longitude: 75.13154075595556
- Event Location
- Summary for Publications
On 15 November 2021, Abdul Rashid, RTI activist, was severely beaten and injured by a group of people after diclosing the recent allotment of land titles was done to benefit the local administrator in Sikar district, Rajasthan, India.