The killing of a Dalit in Abohar, Punjab sparked off protests in the state.
The National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) on Sunday asked Punjab Police to provide security to family members of Bhim Sain and Gurjant Singh Janta who were attacked allegedly by henchmen of liquor baron and Akali leader Shiv Lal Doda in Abohar, leading to the former's death.
"The families of victims in Abohar murder case have expressed apprehension of threat to their lives. So I have directed SSP Fazilka to provide security to the families of Bhim Sain and Gurjant Singh Janta," NCSC vice-chairman Raj Kumar Verka said.
In a murderous attack, both legs and arms of Bhim were chopped off while one arm and leg of Gurjant Singh Janta were severed allegedly by henchmen of liquor baron and Akali leader Shiv Lal Doda at a farmhouse in Abohar in December 11.
Both were taken to a private hospital where Bhim was declared brought dead while Janta was in a critical condition. Janta is now undergoing treatment at a hospital in Amritsar.
"Janta is a main witness in this case. Therefore, immediate police protection be given to him and his family," said Mr Verka.
The Commission has also demanded that the case be put before a fast-track court in order to put culprits in this case behind bars.
Mr Verka, who had earlier accused police of carrying out "shoddy" investigation into the brutal murder, expressed satisfaction over the arrest being made by police in this case.
"I am satisfied with the arrest made by police in this case. But I also want police to carry out fair investigation in connection with the Abohar murder case," he said.