National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India: In an alleged attack on a student by a group of upper caste boys from his locality while traveling on a bus to appear for his exam, NHRC has taken suo motu cognisance of media reports regarding the brutal assault on a Class-XI student belonging to the Scheduled Caste community in Thoothukudi district, Tamil Nadu.
As per NHRC press release, the perpetrators forcibly dragged the student out of the bus and assaulted him with a sickle, severing the fingers of his left hand. In a further escalation of violence, the victim’s father, who attempted to intervene, was also reportedly assaulted. As per the media report published on 12-03-2025, the attackers fled the scene following the assault. The severely injured boy was initially rushed to a nearby hospital and later shifted to Tirunelveli Government Hospital. A team of doctors reportedly conducted a seven-hour-long surgery to reattach his fingers.
Expressing grave concern over the incident and observing the violation of the human rights of the victim student, the Commission has issued notices to the Director General of Police and the District Collector of Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, directing them to submit a detailed report within four weeks.
