NHRC notice to Chief Secretary and DGP, Govt. of Karnataka over Tanzanian student episode in Bengaluru

The Commission has come across a report on serious incident of the alleged stripping of a Tanzanian student in Bengluru. The news item appeared in various newspapers across the country, including the “Indian Express” and the “The Times of India” dated 4th February, 2016. According to the report, a 21 years old Tanjanian student was allegedly stripped by a mob and forced her to walk “without her top” on the street in Bengaluru on the night of January, 31, 2016.

The sad student had lodged a complaint with the police as well. It is also alleged that 30 minutes before the said incident a road accident took place wherein the car driven by a Sudanese Medical student hit a local resident who died in the incident, while other sustained injuries. Thereafter the mob gathered that night and set on fire the car in which the Tanzanian Student was travelling with her friends. The mob also targeted the student and thereafter the student was stripped and made run to hide. The report further states that the attempted to board a bus, but passengers pushed her away. Later on she tried to hire an autorickshaw but the driver refused.

The report further states that the police constable, who was present at the scene, remained a mute spectator. The student also alleged that the mob tugged at her t-shirt and tore it leaving her without anything. The mob continued to thrash the student and other accompanying friends making them to run for their lives. A passerby who offered her a t-shirt was also attacked.

The Commission has considered the above reports and is of the opinion that if the contents of the report are true, it would amount to a serious violation of human rights including racism.

Hence, issue notice to the Chief Secretary and DGP, Govt. of Karnataka to submit a report in a period of 2 weeks as to the action taken on the incident.