In the aftermath of a fishermen's grievance meeting conducted by the Department of Fisheries in Radhapuram Taluk Tirunelveli district, Tamil Nadu, which was attended by district collector on November 3, 2023, HRD Jesu Jeyaseelan found himself at the center of a concerning incident just two days later. On November 5, 2023, at 10:42 AM, Mr. Jeyaseelan received a call from an individual claiming to be a Sub Inspector of Police at the Koodankulam Police Station. The caller instructed the HRD to appear at the station by 12:00 PM for an inquiry related to a petition. Despite reaching the station promptly at 11:50 AM, Mr. Jeyaseelan faced an extended wait until 1:00 PM when Inspector Shyam Sundar finally arrived. During the inquiry, Inspector Shyam Sundar reportedly threatened the HRD, citing his participation in the grievance meeting in front of the District Collector, Tirunelveli, and other higher officials. The inspector claimed that a complaint had been lodged against Mr. Jeyaseelan but failed to provide essential details such as the complaint's name, charges, and reasons for the inquiry.

Every person has a the right to life and liberty enshrined under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution 1950, Article 3 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights 1948, and Article 6 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, 1966. The Right to life includes the right against harassment and threats. The targeted attack on the HRD by the police amounts to a violation of life and liberty.  

HRDA India strongly believes that the intimidation and threats of police officials against Mr. Jeyaseelan is an act of reprisal for his activism as a human rights defender. Therefore, HRDA demands the NHRC to take following action-

To direct the SSP of Radhapuram Taluk, Tirunelveli district, to initiate a transparent, independent inquiry regarding the threat and intimidation of Mr. Jesu Jeyaseelan, on the basis of enquiry an action should be taken against inspector Shiyam Sundar and submit the report to NHRC within two weeks.