The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has directed the Assam government to pay Rs 1 lakh to Shaukat Ali, who was beaten up by a mob for allegedly selling cooked beef at his tea stall in the Biswanath district on April 7 last year.
The commission observed that neither the Chief Secretary Assam replied to a show-cause notice nor the Director-General of Police submitted the detailed report before the commission against the police officials who were present at the crime scene.
“Therefore, the Commission confirms its recommendation and directs to the Chief Secretary, Government of Assam to release amounting to Rs 1,00,000 to the victim Shaukat Ali and submit a report along with proof of payment to the Commission within six weeks,” a letter to the chief secretary from NHRC assistant registrar (law) said.
“The victim was found insulted and disgraced on basis of caste/religion, therefore, human rights of the victim were violated by collecting revenue by a public servant i. e. profession tax collector illegally. Police have apprehended 15 persons and forwarded them to judicial custody,” the letter said citing the show-cause notice.
A complaint letter by the Leader of Opposition Debabrata Saikia prompted the human rights commission to warn the DGP of action against him if not the report is sent within four weeks.
Consumption of beef is legal in Assam and the Assam Cattle Preservation Act, 1950 permits the slaughter of cattle above 14 years of age with a proper certificate only by a veterinary officer of the area.