Mr. Yaqoob, a vocal advocate for minority rights and Deputy General Secretary of the Manithaneya Makkal Katchi, faced humiliation and threats from municipal officials after questioning the closure of a minority community college. Despite being denied permission to protest, demonstrators assembled on January 4, 2024. However, they were met with excessive force, resulting in injuries and arrests.

HRDA cites the right to peaceful protest, citing international instruments and Indian constitutional provisions in its appeal, and calls for intervention from the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to quash FIRs against HRDs, conduct an independent inquiry, ensure police accountability, and provide medical treatment and compensation to the injured.

The incident highlights a violation of fundamental rights and the abuse of power by authorities, prompting an urgent appeal for justice and accountability. The excessive use of force against peaceful protestors, including HRDs advocating for minority rights, reflects a concerning trend of stifling dissent and curtailing democratic freedoms.