The National Commission for Scheduled Castes issued a notice to the Telangana government on Monday, asking it to cooperate with a probe being initiated into the alleged torture of Dalits in Nerella.
The Times of India reported that the notices were addressed to Chief Secretary SP Singh and DGP Anurag Sharma, and said that the commission planned to “investigate and inquire“ into the allegations.
The panel also asked the state to submit a report on the action-taken under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
The TOI report also quotes the notice saying, "Please take note that if the commission does not receive a reply within stipulated time, it may exercise the power of civil courts conferred on it under Article 338 of Constitution and issue summons."
This comes 10 days after the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) issued a notice to state DGP Anurag Sharma, over the incident that occurred in Siricilla district.
The entire controversy began after a sand lorry hit and killed a local from Nerella village on July 2. This death had sparked massive anger, as this was the fourth such death from nearby villages.
After the incident, police detained eight villagers (Dalits) from Nerella of Rajanna-Siricilla district for allegedly torching a sand-laden truck.
The victims were then allegedly subjected to third-degree torture, and also claimed to be verbally abused with casteist slurs. They also made allegations that a police officer poured hot water on the private parts of the detainees and gave electric shocks to the arrested villagers.
Last week, the Telangana government suspended a sub-inspector, holding him accountable for the alleged police torture.
However, political parties and human rights organisations were not satisfied.
Meanwhile, Sircilla Rajanna superintendent of police K. Vishwajit will be going to Ladakh for a month from August 24.
According to reports, Vishwajit will participate in a police event to which he was nominated by the Union home ministry.
While the Opposition lashed out against the move, accusing the TRS government of 'honouring' a tainted police officer, the state government claimed that the orders were issued on July 3, before the controversy broke out.