Hyderabad: NHRC slams arrests of environmentalists at KBR Park, seeks detailed report

The NHRC has taken suo motu cognisance of reports about the unlawful arrest of environmentalists protesting tree cutting near KBR National Park in Hyderabad. Notices have been issued to the Telangana DGP and Hyderabad Collector, seeking a detailed report within two weeks.

Hyderabad: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) reacted strongly to the illegal arrest of environmentalists who were peacefully protesting against the cutting of trees around Kasu Brahmananda Reddy (KBR) National Park in Hyderabad.

The NHRC took media reports on the environmentalists’ unlawful detention as Suo moto and on Wednesday served notices to the Telangana State Director General of Police and the Hyderabad District Collector, seeking a thorough investigation and submission of a comprehensive report within two weeks.

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On May 13, several environmentalists and Save KBR Park volunteers staged a peaceful protest against the cutting of trees around KBR Park. After the protest concluded, the police initially detained one volunteer.

On hearing of the detention of this volunteer, four other Save KBR Park activists went to the Banjara Hills Police Station to inquire about the detention. But the police unlawfully held four activists and caused inconvenience for several hours, a statement said.

The police filed FIRs against the five arrested environmentalists under various BNS sections including unlawful obstruction, causing damage to property, and criminal intimidation. They were later released on bail.

The NHRC deemed the police actions against the protesters, who were advocating for environmental protection, as a serious violation of human rights.