Shanmugam
Social activist
Tamil Nadu
 

HRDA has issued an urgent appeal to the National Human Rights Commission of India on February 4, 2020 regarding the arbitrary arrest and fabricated charges against Mr. Shanmugam in Karur district, Tamil Nadu. Mr. Shanmugam is a farmer and Right to Information (RTI) activist.
Mr. Shanmugam was detained by police personnel escorting the District Collector (DC) within the Collectorate premises on January 31, 2020 on the orders of DC Mr.Anbalagan, while he was attending a Grievance Day programme. During the programme, Mr. Shamugan provided evidence of canal repair work not being undertaken despite promises by the DC, which annoyed the latter. 

The Inspector of Thanthondrimalai Police Station filed an FIR against Mr. Shanmugam on the basis of a complaint by Dr. Umpathy, Personal Assistant  (Agriculture) to the DC, under Sections 294(B), 353, 506(1) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), for which Mr. Shanmugam was remanded in prison.