Mr. Jagabar Ali, an AIADMK functionary in Pudukkottai district, Tamil Nadu, began receiving death threats after complaining about illegal mining activities by several quarrying companies. The permissions for these quarries expired on 13.11.2023, but they continued operations illegally. Despite filing multiple complaints with government authorities and even obtaining a High Court order for investigation, no action was taken.

Jagabar Ali filed complaints against the illegal mining operations with various authorities, including the District Collector, the Mineral Resources Department, and the Superintendent of Police. He estimated the loss to the state at approximately Rs. 840 crores. Due to his activism, he faced severe opposition from the mining mafia and complicit officials. He also gave an interview about the issue on 10.01.2025 and announced a protest scheduled for 17.01.2025.

On 17.01.2025, after offering Namaz at Kattubhava mosque, Jagabar Ali was on his way to his hollow block manufacturing site on a two-wheeler (TN 55 AM 5234). At around 2:10 PM, near Ramandlaksh Rice Mill, a tipper lorry (TN 74 AV 5628) driven by Kavi Anandan rammed into his vehicle. As he fell into a roadside ditch, he attempted to record the presence of Muruganatham, the owner of Arjun Tipper Service, who called the driver before fleeing the scene.

Nature of Injuries and Death:

Jagabar Ali suffered multiple external injuries, including tire marks on his abdomen, right arm, and both legs. His ribs were fractured, both kidneys were shattered, and his urinary bladder was torn. He succumbed to multi-organ injuries. The attack was staged as a road accident.

Police Investigation and Delays:

Despite oral and written complaints from his wife, Thirumayam police initially refused to register an FIR. They eventually registered a case (Crime No. 9/2025) on 18.01.2025 under Section 194(1) (Unnatural Death) of BNS, 2023. However, no immediate action was taken.

Postmortem Controversy:

Jagabar Ali’s body was kept at Thirumayam Government Hospital, which lacked freezer facilities. His family arranged a freezer box at their own expense. The postmortem, conducted by an orthopaedic specialist without forensic expertise, did not follow the forensic protocols set by the Madras High Court. After a 10-day delay, the postmortem report was finally given to the family on 26.01.2025. Human Rights Defenders' Alert - India approached the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court in W.P. (MD) No.  2600 of 2025, seeking a re-postmortem with X-rays and CT scans. The court ordered the re-postmortem at Pudukkottai Government Medical College Hospital, which was to be conducted by 31.01.2025. The family also filed a Witness Protection Application on 27.01.2025 due to severe threats.

Government Intervention and Current Status:

Following public outcry, the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu transferred the investigation to the CBCID. The case remains under scrutiny, with concerns about the safety of Jagabar Ali’s family and the integrity of the investigation.

1. Environmental Protection: Jagabar Ali’s actions aligned with Article 51A (g) of the Indian Constitution, which mandates every citizen’s duty to protect the environment.
2. Right to Life: Article 21 guarantees the fundamental Right to Life, which includes a clean and safe environment. His fight against illegal mining was part of this broader constitutional right.

Appeal:         

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

• To direct the Director General of Police of Tamil Nadu to submit a report to the NHRC within two weeks to file a status report of the investigation.
• To direct the Director General of Police of Tamil Nadu to ensure complete physical and psychological safety of the EHRD family (two wives and sons and relatives) and assure the NHRC of the same actions within one week.