108 Complaints, 25 Suo Motu Cases Registered by Tripura Human Rights Commission Till Oct

Justice Das acknowledged that there is still a long way to go in terms of raising broader awareness about human rights.

The Tripura Human Rights Commission (THRC) has registered 108 complaints in addition to 25 suo-motu cases till October 31, Chairman of the Commission, Justice (Retd) SC Das said on Wednesday.

He further shared that the commission had disposed of 65 cases and 8 suo-motu cases, with investigations ongoing for the remaining cases. The commission’s proactive stance has helped it gain increasing visibility among the public, though Justice Das acknowledged that there is still a long way to go in terms of raising broader awareness about human rights.

“Many citizens are still unaware of their rights, and this is one of our key challenges,” Justice Das pointed out. He stressed that public awareness is essential for a thriving democracy, as it ensures that citizens know how to protect their rights and seek redress in case of violations.

Among the notable cases the THRC is currently investigating is the tragic death of a mobile phone businessman in Agartala. The businessman was fatally stabbed in broad daylight in front of police officers who failed to intervene. The commission has issued notices to the Director General of Police (DGP) based on video evidence that shows the police standing by during the attack. The THRC expects a detailed report on this matter from the DGP.

Another high-profile case involves the suspicious death of an inmate in the central jail, where the commission has raised concerns about the circumstances surrounding his suicide. The THRC has asked the DGP, the Inspector General of Prisons, and the District Magistrate to submit reports. Should these reports fail to address the commission’s concerns, it has indicated that it will consider launching its investigation.

The THRC has also taken suo motu cognisance of three other incidents in Tripura – college student from West Tripura district forced allegedly by local leaders to marry against her wish, a woman stripped and her photos circulated in social media, and seniors of Tripura Medical College ragging juniors, and have asked the DGP to provide comprehensive reports on each incident within three weeks.

The THRC has also been monitoring cases of communal violence, such as the mob lynching of a tribal youth in Gandatwisa, which led to widespread unrest and left many families displaced.
Justice Das noted that the commission while actively working on these sensitive cases prefers to avoid any kind of publicity and instead focus on delivering justice and ensuring accountability.

Despite its proactive approach, the THRC faces significant hurdles, particularly in terms of infrastructure and resources. Justice Das emphasized the need for greater investment to strengthen the commission’s capacity to investigate and respond to human rights violations. “With better resources and increased public awareness, we can ensure that human rights violations are addressed more effectively, and victims receive justice without delay,” he said.

Under the leadership of Chairman Justice (Retd.) SC Das, the THRC has taken on several high-profile cases in 2023, including police custodial deaths, incidents of mob lynching, and cases of police inaction.

Justice Das, along with THRC members—former IG BK Ray, Udit Choudhuri, and Secretary Ratan Biswas—reported that despite operating with limited resources, the commission has made significant progress in addressing human rights concerns in Tripura.

As International Human Rights Day approaches, the THRC reiterated its commitment to safeguarding human rights across Tripura. The commission also called for greater cooperation from both the authorities and citizens to address systemic issues and promote the protection of fundamental rights for all residents of the state.

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