Chennai, 6 March (H.S.): The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognizance of a shocking incident in Sambavarvadakarai town, Tenkasi district, Tamil Nadu, where a village chief ostracized 30 individuals from eight families over a land dispute.

The incident began when a local family initiated a legal battle against a man for allegedly encroaching on their property. In retaliation, the village chief imposed a social boycott on the family, barring them from accessing local stores, public services, and interacting with other villagers. Seven other families that supported the affected family were also subjected to the same punitive measures.

The ostracized families staged a protest outside the Tenkasi District Collector’s office on February 20, 2025, demanding justice. However, instead of addressing their grievances, local authorities arrested all 30 protesters.

The NHRC has issued a notice to the District Collector of Tenkasi, demanding a detailed report on the incident within two weeks. The commission has stated that if the reported facts are true, this represents a serious violation of human rights.

—————

Hindusthan Samachar / Dr. R. B. Chaudhary