From Human Rights Order to RTI Appeal: A Citizen’s Fight for Police Accountability in Mirzapur
What happens when a state’s highest human rights body issues an order to the police, calling for accountability within the force? What recourse does a citizen have when that order is met with silence, leaving them feeling powerless and unheard?
This is the poignant story of Naresh Kumar Jaiswal, a resident of Mirzapur, whose relentless quest for justice has transformed into a profound battle for access to basic information that many take for granted.
His experiences underscore the critical role of the Right to Information (RTI) Act, a vital tool in the hands of citizens, designed to promote transparency and ensure police accountability.
Naresh’s journey reveals not only the obstacles individuals face when confronting institutional inertia, but also the broader implications for society when the mechanisms intended to protect citizens fail to function effectively.
The struggle for information and accountability is not just his own; it echoes the challenges faced by many who seek truth in the face of indifference.
A “Serious” Matter about police accountability: The Human Rights Commission Steps In
The story begins with a complaint filed by Naresh Kumar Jaiswal with the Uttar Pradesh Human Rights Commission (UPHRC). The complaint, registered under Diary No. 5885/IN/2025, alleged an **”Abuse of Power” by police officials in Mirzapur, with the incident dating back to June 18, 2025.
This incident, which has caught the attention of various human rights activists, raises significant concerns regarding the conduct of law enforcement agencies in the region. Witnesses have come forward, expressing their fears and frustrations about police harassment and the lack of accountability within the system.
This sets the stage for questioning police accountability in the case and the broader implications it may have for the residents of Mirzapur, who have been grappling with a sense of insecurity and neglect in their interactions with authority.
The outcome of this complaint could serve as a pivotal moment in the ongoing dialogue about human rights and police reform in the state.
Taking cognizance of the matter, the UPHRC noted that “the allegations made in the complaint have a serious nature.” On August 27, 2025, the Commission issued a clear directive to the Superintendent of Police, Mirzapur to ensure there is accountability within the police force:
- Look into the matter personally.
- Conduct a necessary inquiry.
- Associate the complainant, Mr. Jaiswal, in the process.
- Submit a detailed report to the Commission by October 29, 2025.
This order set a clear path for investigation and accountability. For Mr. Jaiswal, it was a significant step towards having his grievances, addressed.
The Wall of Silence: An Unanswered RTI Request
As the weeks passed, Mr. Jaiswal sought to learn what action had been, taken on the UPHRC’s order. To get official information, he turned to the Right to Information Act, 2005, a powerful tool for citizens to demand transparency from government bodies, aiming for police accountability.
On September 8, 2025, he filed an RTI application (No. SPMZR/R/2025/60241) with the Superintendent of Police’s office, taking a bold step towards transparency and accountability in the police department.
In this application, he aimed to shed light on the procedures followed by law enforcement in his locality and sought clarity on the protocols involved in various legal matters.
He asked simple, direct questions: he enquired about the timelines for FIR registrations, the process for lodging complaints, and the measures taken by the police to ensure public safety and adherence to the law.
Through this enquiry, he hoped to not only gather vital information but also to encourage others in the community to engage with their local authorities more actively.
- Which official received the UPHRC’s order?
- What action has been, taken on the order?
- Why has there been a delay in compliance?
- Who is the official currently responsible for handling the matter?
Under the RTI Act, the Public Information Officer (PIO), Mr. Om Prakash Singh (ASP Operation), was legally required to provide this information within 30 days. The deadline was October 8, 2025. Such measures are essential for holding the police accountable.
The deadline came and went. No information was provided. No reply was sent. The request was met with a wall of silence.
Escalating the Fight: The First Appeal
The PIO’s failure to respond is not just a simple delay; it is a “deemed refusal” under Section 7(2) of the RTI Act, which serves to protect the rights of citizens seeking information.
This significant lapse provided Mr. Jaiswal with the legal grounds to escalate the matter, empowering him in his quest for obtaining clarity on police accountability.
When the authorities disregard their obligations under the RTI Act, it not only undermines public trust but also raises serious questions about the transparency and responsiveness of public institutions.
In such situations, it is crucial for citizens like Mr. Jaiswal to assert their rights and pursue all available avenues to ensure accountability from the police, thereby reinforcing the principles of democracy and the rule of law.
On October 10, 2025, he filed a First Appeal (No. SPMZR/A/2025/60046) with the First Appellate Authority, the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) of Mirzapur, Mr. Somen Verma.
In his appeal, Mr. Jaiswal has made three key requests:
- Provide the information immediately: Direct the PIO to answer his original questions without further delay.
- Provide it for free: As a penalty for missing the 30-day deadline, the law mandates that the information must now be provided free of charge.
- Initiate disciplinary action: Consider taking action against the PIO for failing to perform his duties under the RTI Act.
Why This Case Matters
This is more than just one man’s struggle. It raises fundamental questions about the accountability of our public institutions, and its implications reach far beyond individual cases. When a Human Rights Commission issues an order, it is a critical step toward ensuring justice and safeguarding citizens’ rights; no official can ignore it.
When a citizen files an RTI to check on that order, they cannot be met with silence, as this would undermine the very principles of democracy and transparency that our society is built upon.
The ball is now in the court of SSP Somen Verma. His decision will not only determine whether Mr. Jaiswal gets the information he is entitled to, but it will also serve as a litmus test for the integrity of the law enforcement framework within the region.
He is legally responsible and holds the power to send a strong message about whether the Mirzapur Police is committed to transparency and respecting the directives of accountability bodies like the UPHRC.
By fulfilling this obligation, he can help to cement their stance on ensuring police accountability, fostering a culture where citizens’ voices are heard, and trust can be rebuilt between the community and those entrusted to serve and protect them.
PIO in office of SUPERINTENDENT OF POLICE OFFICE MIRZAPUR did not provide any information
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