Mr. Zakhir Hussain Bijli, a retired sub-inspector and human rights defender from Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, was murdered on 18 March 2025 in broad daylight. For years, he campaigned against the illegal encroachment of 36 cents of Waqf land, pursuing cases before the Waqf Tribunal. His activism made him a target of threats from a group allegedly led by Mr. Thoufiq.

Despite filing a police complaint with CCTV evidence on 9 December 2024, officers allegedly delayed registration and downplayed the matter as a civil dispute. Zakhir, in a Facebook video before his death, accused local police of collusion.

His killing while returning from prayers is a clear reprisal for his human rights work. India, as a State Party to the ICCPR, is obligated to protect life and defenders of justice. The failure to act on credible threats highlights grave state inaction and denial of protection.

We urge the Hon’ble Commission to take cognisance of the above case and urgently:

• Direct the Director General of Investigation of the NHRC to initiate a transparent, independent inquiry and submit the report to NHRC.