SHRC chairman Justice (Retired) S N Jha, in his order, said that “it is the duty of the law-enforcing agency” of the state to protect one’s human rights and “where it fails, it deserves to be reprimanded”.

The police remained a mute spectator as Ranvir Sena supporters on June 2 ransacked and torched private and public property while they were taking the body from Ara to Patna. Mukhiyaji was shot dead on June 1 morning allegedly by the henchmen of the Janata Dal (United) MLA, Sunil Pandey, who too was earlier in Ranvir Sena.

Justice Jha asked as to why such a situation was allowed to develop when the police headquarters had provided additional force on June 1 night, and 49 magistrates, 106 police officials and 940 lathi-wielding policemen were deputed in the city by a joint order of the Patna DM and SSP.

Justice Jha had suo motu initiated the proceedings on June 4. A report was sought from the state DGP and Bihar Military Police IG. The report claimed any administrative action in the prevailing situation might have resulted in violence which could spread to other parts of the state, affecting law and order situation in the entire state.

The report said “it was considered appropriate to maintain tolerance and refrain from taking any action such as use of force.”

However, the SHRC said it is the duty of the police to protect one’s human rights. The failure was on such a scale that it deserves to be reprimanded.
**