New Delhi: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognizance of a complaint alleging illegal land acquisition and police brutality in Godabali village, Bokaro (Jharkhand). The Commission has directed the District Magistrate (DM) of Bokaro to submit an Action Taken Report (ATR) within four weeks, following allegations that authorities forcibly evicted villagers without following due process under the Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation, and Resettlement (LARR) Act, 2013.
The complaint, filed by Pankaj Singh, a resident of Godabali, claims that the Chatibad sports ground—the only open space for children’s recreation and morning walks—was reportedly allocated to BMW Company despite existing environmental violations. “The company already has land but is disregarding pollution norms, and now the administration is illegally grabbing the playground without compensation or rehabilitation,” the complaint states.
The NHRC’s notice, issued under Section 12 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, highlights “excessive police force” used during evictions, affecting nearly one lakh villagers. The Commission’s Bench, chaired by Shri Priyank Kanoongo; observed that the allegations, if true, raise serious human rights violations.
Key Directives from NHRC Letter:
– DM Bokaro must investigate the claims and submit a detailed report.
– Chief Secretary, Jharkhand, has been informed for monitoring.
– Authorities must ensure compliance with LARR Act, including fair compensation and rehabilitation.
The case has sparked protests among locals, who demand the allocation’s cancellation and action against officials involved. The DM’s response will determine whether the NHRC intervenes further.
