Waseem Akram

Former under-secretary of State for Social Services and Humanitarian Democrats 

Tamil Nadu

HRDA has issued an urgent appeal to the National Human Rights Commission of India on September 25, 2021, regarding the brutal torture and murder of HRD Mr. Waseem Akram due to police negligence in protecting a whistleblower for raising issues regarding drug dealings in Thirupathur.

Mr. Waseem Akram was a social activist actively fighting against the drug menace in his locality, He also played an active role in supporting families going through difficult times during COVID-19. 

On August 27, 2021, the Thirupathur Superintendent of Police, Mr. Chakravarthy, and his team based on local information raided the godown of Mr. Imthiyas, an alleged drug dealer, and found large quantities of marijuana and sharp weapons. Since Mr. Akram was an active fighter against drug addiction in his locality, Mr. Imthiyas believed Mr. Akram was the whistleblower who had informed the local police about his business. 

On September 10, 2021, Mr. Akram was attacked by 6 persons with knives. He was brutally attacked and he died due to the grievous injuries inflicted upon him. After this incident an FIR was registered under sections 154, 147, 148, 294, and 302, at Vaniyambadi Town Police station Thirupathur against Mr. Imthiyas, Mr. Prasanth, and Mr. Dilli. After investigation, six members were found to be involved in the HRD’s murder. They surrendered themselves before Thanjavur district court but the main culprit Mr. Imthiyas is still absconding.

In this case, we believe, the HRD was murdered due to the neglect by the local police who should have provided safety and security to the HRD, who informed police about illegal drug dealing. It is in violation of the Whistle-Blowers Protection Act, 2014 Chapter 5- Protection to the persons along with the violation of freedom of speech and expression under Article 19.