New Delhi: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued a show-cause notice to the Tamil Nadu Government in connection with the alleged attack on a migrant worker in Thiruvallur district, directing the state police to trace the victim and ensure that he receives necessary medical care.

The incident, which reportedly took place on December 27 near the Tiruttani railway quarters, involved the alleged assault of a migrant worker identified as Suraj by four minors. The NHRC has also sought an explanation from the state on why compensation of ₹2 lakh should not be recommended for the victim.

According to the Commission, the victim was initially admitted to the Thiruvallur Government Hospital and later referred to the Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital in Chennai for advanced treatment. However, hospital records indicate that he left the facility on the same day against medical advice, and his current whereabouts remain unknown.

The NHRC noted that it received information about the incident through a complaint alleging serious violence against a migrant worker from Madhya Pradesh. The complaint further stated that the victim was threatened on a moving train, forcibly taken to a secluded area near a railway station, and attacked with a sharp weapon. The assault was allegedly filmed by the attackers, with one of them seen making a ‘victory’ gesture in the video.

Tamil Nadu Police had earlier said that the four accused, all aged around 17, were apprehended on December 28 and produced before the Juvenile Justice Board. Following the Board’s directions, three were sent to a juvenile home, while one was released into parental custody.

Taking cognisance of the case under Section 12 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, the NHRC observed that the victim’s disappearance from a state-run hospital and the failure to ensure his treatment reflected serious lapses and gross negligence on the part of the state machinery.

The Commission also flagged an unexplained delay in registering the FIR, noting that while the victim’s statement was recorded on December 27, the case was registered only the following day. It said the sequence of events raised serious concerns warranting strict investigation.

The NHRC has directed the Tamil Nadu Director General of Police to ensure that the victim is traced at the earliest and provided medical treatment, including post-trauma counselling. It has also asked the Chief Secretary to respond within seven days and ensure reimbursement of medical expenses, if any.

In addition, the Commission has instructed its Director General (Investigation) to collect facts from the authorities concerned within two days and place them on record. A copy of the proceedings has also been forwarded to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs for information and necessary action. There was no immediate response from the Tamil Nadu government.

PTI