NHRC seeks report from Maha govt over Pansare attack

New Delhi, Feb 18: Terming it as a "serious" incident, National Human Rights Commission today issued a notice to Maharashtra Government seeking a report over attack on social activist Govind Pansare and his wife.

According to an official statement released today, the Commission issued notices to the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police, Maharashtra, calling for reports within four weeks.

"The Commission considers the incident as very serious and has observed that it is the duty of the state to recognise and acknowledge the valuable contributions made by Human Rights Defenders and create an environment in which they can act safely and feely," the statement said.

The notice was issued after NHRC took suo motu cognisance of media reports that social activist, Govind Pansare and his wife were shot at by some unidentified persons in Kolhapur, Maharashtra on February 16.

According to media reports, both of them had to undergo several surgeries and were battling for life. 78-year-old Pansare was of late leading an anti-toll movement in Kolhapur.

PTI