Ramlila drama: NHRC seeks report from Centre

"Pained" over media reports and complaints alleging "unconstitutional police action" on Baba Ramdev's supporters, the National Human Rights Commission on Monday asked the Union and Delhi governments to submit reports within two weeks on the midnight crackdown at Delhi's Ramlila ground.

Taking cognisance of police swooping on "sleeping protesters", the NHRC issued notices to the Union Home Secretary, Delhi Chief Secretary and city Police Commissioner, asking them to explain reasons for taking such a step.

The NHRC said it is "pained to see media reports and complaints alleging unconstitutional police action involving use of tear gas shells, lathi charge and forceful eviction of a large number of people sleeping under the pandal."

There have been reports of injuries to several persons, including children, women and senior citizens and several persons have been reported missing.

"As the incident has a bearing on human rights, the Commission has issued notices to the Union Home Secretary, Chief Secretary, Government of Delhi, and the Commissioner of Police, Delhi," the commission said.

The officers will also inform the commission specifically on some points, including reasons for resorting to such an action at midnight, how many people were injured, is there any proposal to compensate them, and how many people are missing and what steps have been taken to trace them.

Baba Ramdev alleged that the police unleashed atrocities on his supporters, which included women and children. He termed the police action as the "biggest crime against humanity".