The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of India has taken cognizance of the murder of Rupesh Pandey and directed the district authority to submit the action taken report. A native of Hazaribah,  Rupesh Pandey (17) was lynched during a clash during the Saraswati Puja immersion procession at Dulmaha village, Barhi police station on February 6.

NHRC has asked Hazaribagh SP to submit an action taken report to the Commission within four weeks from the date of receipt of this letter.

NHRC has also asked the SP that if any notice, order, or other communication from the State Human Rights Commission has been received all such documents must be sent to the Commission.

“Let a copy of the complaint be also transmitted to the Secretary of the concerned State Human Rights Commission, calling upon him to inform this Commission the date of cognizance, if any, taken at their end in the instant matter within four weeks,” further read the communique.

NHRC took cognizance of the murder following a complaint received from one Madan Mohan Priye on February 10. Priye who is a human rights activist and senior lawyer in Delhi narrated the incident with Rupesh. He demanded a monetary compensation of Rs 10 lakhs for the family of the deceased besides proper investigation by the Jharkhand police.

His post-mortem report reveals injuries that led to the failure of internal organs. Injury marks were found on the eyes, ears, chest, belly, and legs. Blunt as well as sharp objects were used to kill him.

Even the National Commission for the Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) took cognizance of the murder and issued notice to Hazaribagh district administration and police. Two days back Priyank Kanoongo, the chairperson of NCPCR, had visited the family of Rupesh Pandey.