The Meghalaya Human Rights Commission (MHRC) has concluded its investigation into an alleged human rights violation that occurred during a police intervention at a hunger strike site in Shillong, finding no conclusive evidence of wrongdoing by law enforcement. This case arose from complaints following an incident on June 9, 2024, when police, led by East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Rituraj Ravi, attempted to remove social activist Bindas Syiem from her protest tent located in the Additional Secretariat parking lot.
Syiem was conducting a hunger strike in protest of the poor condition of the Nongpoh-Umden-Sonapur road. Reports indicate that Ravi arrived at the scene late at night, reportedly inebriated, and without a female police officer or an executive magistrate, intending to take Syiem for a medical examination. Eyewitnesses, including journalist Kyrmenlang Uriah and complainant Purity Phawa, stated that Ravi lifted the mosquito net over Syiem’s bed and acted as if under the influence of alcohol. However, no witnesses confirmed that any physical contact occurred, leaving the allegations of misconduct largely unsubstantiated.
In her deposition, Syiem claimed that while she was not physically touched, the Superintendent entered her tent against her will, attempting to force her to leave. She asserted that he smelled of alcohol and did not present any official documentation to justify his actions. In defense, the Superintendent maintained that he was acting to uphold law and order amidst a growing crowd at an unauthorized protest site. He denied being intoxicated and insisted that no force or inappropriate conduct took place.
Four additional witnesses, including a female police sub-inspector and a journalist, corroborated the Superintendent’s account, stating they did not observe any misconduct. After reviewing all evidence and conducting cross-examinations, the MHRC determined that the testimony provided by the complainants and witnesses lacked consistency and was unverified by video footage, which was notably absent despite claims of its existence.
The Commission pointed out that several complainants did not attend the proceedings or provide supporting evidence. Ultimately, the MHRC found no violation of human rights as defined under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, and dismissed the case. Nonetheless, it suggested that the incident might have been avoided if the Superintendent had been accompanied by a medical officer or magistrate and recommended that the Director General of Police take measures to establish clearer operational guidelines. The case was formally closed with an order dated July 25, 2025.
Original Source: https://nenews.in/meghalaya/mhrc-clears-former-east-khasi-hills-sp-in-human-rights-violation-case/30287/
Category: Meghalaya,Activist Bindas Syiem,hunger strike,MHRC,SP Rituraj Ravi
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Publish Date: 2025-08-05 22:03:00
