NHRC takes suo motu cognizance of a woman's suicide after an alleged gang-rape in Jhansi

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report that a 19-year-old woman died by suicide in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, after being gang-raped by six persons, including three minors. According to the report, the accused caught her at a cattle barn and raped her, and she is reported to have consumed poison after being threatened that a video of the assault would be circulated. Observing that the media report, if true, discloses a serious violation of human rights, the Commission issued notices under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993 to the Senior Superintendent of Police and the District Magistrate, Jhansi, calling for a detailed report within two weeks.

The report must cover the status of the criminal investigation and whether any compensation has been paid to the next of kin of the deceased. The Commission's action is independent of, and does not substitute for, the ongoing criminal investigation and prosecution, which will proceed under the ordinary criminal law relating to rape and, since three of the accused are reported to be minors, under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015.