The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India has issued notice to the Delhi Chief Secretary and the Police Commissioner over reported sexual abuse of two juveniles by fellow inmates in the Child Protection Home in Mukherjee Nagar area of Delhi.
Taking suo motu cognisance of a media report, the Commission observed that the contents of the news report, if true, raised a serious issue of violation of human rights, which was a matter of concern.
It further noted that the reported incident apparently indicated that the authorities, who were the lawful guardians of the inmates in their custody, have failed to protect the juveniles.
The Commission directed the Delhi Chief Secretary and the Police Commissioner to file a detailed report in the matter within four weeks.
It said the report should include the action taken against the officers concerned and the steps taken to ensure that such incidents do not recur in future.
According to the media report, carried on November 20, 2023, the accused threatened the victims that if they reported the matter to any authority, the juveniles would be tormented for life.
Despite the threats, one of the victims informed one of the officers of the Home regarding the alleged crime. During investigation, another juvenile, aged 15 years, lodged in the Shelter Home came forward and reported that he was also sexually abused inside the Home.