The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has launched an investigation following complaints by residents of Lagacharla village in Telangana alleging police harassment and illegal charges during protests against land acquisition for a proposed Pharma Village.

The complaints, mainly from Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and other backward communities, describe gross human rights violations. Reports claim that on November 11, hundreds of policemen, along with some local people, raided the village, abusing and filing false charges against the protesters, forcing many to flee and take refuge without basic amenities.

Responding to the gravity of the situation, the NHRC sought urgent reports from the Telangana Chief Secretary and Director General of Police. They are also deploying a joint team for an immediate on-site investigation, highlighting the dire implications of the state’s land acquisition strategy on marginalized farmers.

(With contributions from agencies.)