Hyderabad: Just days after the Supreme Court halted further tree felling near the KBR park, the National Human Rights Commission has taken suo motu cognisance of the media reports related to the detention of five activists protesting against the tree-felling activity.The activists were detained by the police on May 13 while participating in protests opposing the removal of trees in areas around the national park, a major green lung space in the city. The activists were allegedly held at the Banjara Hills police station for several hours before being released on bail later in the day.An FIR was registered against them under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The charges include Section 126(2), which pertains to wrongful restraint, Section 324(4), relating to causing loss or damage to property, and Section 351(1), dealing with criminal intimidation. Section 3(5), concerning acts committed with common intention, was also invoked.Taking note of the reports, the NHRC observed that the allegations, if found to be true, could amount to a violation of the activists’ human rights, including the right to freedom of expression and peaceful protest.The Commission has sought a detailed report from the Telangana authorities on the circumstances leading to the arrests and the action taken by the police.
