New Delhi, May 21 (LAB)The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India has taken suo motu cognisance of reports regarding the alleged arbitrary arrest of five environmental activists who were protesting against tree-felling near Kasu Brahmananda Reddy National Park in Hyderabad, Telangana.
According to reports, the activists were detained by the police on May 13, 2026, and kept at the police station for several hours. An FIR was also registered against them under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita related to wrongful restraint, damage to property and criminal intimidation. They were later released on bail.
Taking note of the media reports, the NHRC observed that if the allegations are found to be true, the matter raises serious concerns related to human rights violations.
The Commission has issued notices to the Director General of Police (DGP), Telangana and the District Magistrate (DM), Hyderabad, seeking a detailed report on the incident within two weeks.
As per the media report published on May 13, 2026, one volunteer was initially detained by the police after the protest. Later, four other activists who had gone to the police station to inquire about him were also reportedly detained. SNG