Working chairperson of SHRC, Sudhir Sinha, told reporters that the Commission has taken suo motu cognisance of the episode, in which four Dalit youths were thrashed by cow vigilantes in Gir-Somnath district for skinning a cow.
"Taking suo motu cognisance of the matter, we have sought a report from the Superintendent of Police, Collector and District Social Welfare officer of Gir Somnath district over the Una incident," Sinha said.
After being beaten in Mota Samadhiyala village on July 11, the four Dalits were packed into an SUV and taken to Una town, 24 km away. Here, they were again tied to the vehicle and thrashed in full public view. The video of these youths being beaten up with iron rods and sticks after being tied to the SUV caused widespread protests.
Police have so far arrested sixteen persons in this connection and the state government handed over the investigation to CID and notified creation of a designated court to carry out the case. Chief Minister Anandiben Patel also announced compensation to the victims.