India: “Immediately I Went There, They Started Beating Me, My Brother Saw Them And Ran Away” Aliyu

Khalifa Aliyu, Founder and Director of Human Rights Watchdog India, has recounted a harrowing experience of assault and alleged police negligence during an interview on News Central TV.

According to Aliyu, the shocking incident occurred immediately upon his arrival at his apartment, when he was suddenly confronted by an agent and several accomplices who launched an unprovoked attack against him.

“Immediately I went there, they just approached me and started beating me,” Aliyu explained, describing how the situation escalated almost instantly. The human rights advocate said the attackers showed no hesitation, leaving him with little opportunity to defend himself.

The assault was witnessed by his brother, who was nearby at the time. Aliyu recalled that his brother initially ran away upon seeing the violence but quickly returned to help him.

“My brother saw them from far and then he ran away and came to help me,” he said. “So after he helped me, the fight stopped.”

Following the incident, Aliyu sought justice by reporting the attack to the local police station. However, his attempt to file a complaint reportedly met with apathy and inaction.

“We went out and I went to the police station and the police didn’t even answer,” Aliyu recounted, expressing disappointment at what he described as an alarming lack of response from law enforcement officials.

Aliyu’s experience highlights a broader concern about the safety of human rights defenders in India and the systemic challenges they face when seeking protection or justice. Activists and civil society organizations have long voiced concerns about intimidation, harassment, and violence directed toward those who challenge powerful interests or expose human rights abuses.

As the founder of Human Rights Watchdog India, Aliyu has been actively involved in advocacy for justice, equality, and the protection of vulnerable communities. The alleged assault and subsequent police indifference, therefore, raise serious questions about accountability and the willingness of authorities to uphold the rights of those who work to defend others.

Observers have called for a thorough and impartial investigation into the incident, stressing that attacks on human rights defenders threaten not only individuals but also the principles of democracy and justice that underpin society.