When the Protectors Become Perpetrators: NHRC Seeks Action Report in Alleged Custodial Assault of a Minor in Jharkhand

 A Test Case for Police Accountability and Child Rights in India

On 16 December 2025, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), New Delhi took cognizance of a grave allegation involving police brutality against a 15-year-old minor in Khunti district, Jharkhand. The Commission has formally called for an Action Taken Report (ATR) from the Superintendent of Police, Khunti, within four weeks, in Case No. 411/34/16/2025.

The complaint was filed by Lenin Raghuvanshi, a well-known human rights defender, highlighting a disturbing pattern of abuse of power by police personnel of Khunti Mahila Thana, allegedly in connection with a human trafficking investigation.

Allegations at a Glance

According to the complaint placed before the NHRC:

  • On 6 October 2024, police personnel from Khunti Mahila Police Station allegedly picked up a 15-year-old boy in search of his father.

  • The child was reportedly taken to the police station and beaten severely.

  • Police authorities later denied the use of force, claiming the child was merely questioned.

  • However, a social worker independently verified that the child was unable to walk and was sitting on the floor at the police station.

  • The incident was further corroborated by the child’s mother and maternal uncle.

These allegations raise serious red flags about custodial violence, especially against a minor, which is strictly prohibited under Indian law.

Why This Case Matters

1. Violation of Child Rights

India is a signatory to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). Any form of physical or mental abuse of a child by state authorities is a direct violation of international and constitutional obligations.

2. Breach of Juvenile Justice Law

Under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, a child cannot be detained, interrogated, or treated like an adult offender. Alleged physical assault by police amounts to criminal misconduct.

3. Custodial Violence & Abuse of Power

Custodial violence has been repeatedly condemned by:

  • The Supreme Court of India

  • The NHRC

  • International human rights bodies

Yet, such cases continue to surface, especially in marginalized and rural regions.

NHRC’s Intervention: A Crucial Step

The NHRC’s direction to call for an Action Taken Report (ATR) signifies that:

  • The complaint has prima facie merit

  • The Commission expects institutional accountability

  • The matter will be monitored, with further action possible depending on the response

The Commission has also instructed that all official communication be routed through the HRCNet Portal, ensuring traceability and procedural transparency.

The Larger Question: Who Polices the Police?

This case underscores a recurring concern in India’s criminal justice system:

When law enforcement agencies violate the law, victims—especially children—are left with little immediate protection.

The courage of civil society actors and complainants in approaching constitutional bodies like the NHRC becomes the last line of defense against state excesses.

Way Forward

  • Independent inquiry into the role of Khunti Mahila Thana personnel

  • Medical and psychological assessment of the minor

  • Departmental and criminal action if allegations are substantiated

  • Compensation and rehabilitation for the victim

  • Sensitization of police forces on child rights and custodial safeguards

The NHRC’s intervention in this case is not merely procedural—it is a test of India’s commitment to human rights, child protection, and police accountability. The coming weeks, and the response of the Khunti police administration, will determine whether justice is pursued or postponed.

Silence and inaction in such cases normalize abuse. Accountability alone deters it.

#HumanRights #CustodialViolence #PoliceAccountability #ChildRights #NHRC #JusticeForChildren #AbuseOfPower #RuleOfLaw #StopPoliceBrutality #IndiaHumanRights 

From: <nhrc.india@nic.in>
Date: Tue, Dec 16, 2025 at 4:32 PM
Subject: Action Taken Report Called for(ATR) -411/34/16/2025
To: <sp-khuntijhpolice@gov.in>, <pvchr.adv@gmail.com>


NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
MANAV ADHIKAR BHAWAN BLOCK-C, GPO COMPLEX, INA, NEW DELHI- 110023
Fax No.: 011-24651332    Website: www.nhrc.nic.in
(Law Division)
Case No.- 411/34/16/2025
Date : 16/12/2025  
To,
THE SUPERINTENDENT OF POLICE
KHUNTI JHARKHAND
Email- sp-khuntijhpolice@gov.in

 
Sub : Complaint/ Intimation from

DR LENIN RAGHUVANSHI
SA 4/2 A DAULATPUR, PANDEYPUR VARANASI, DAULATPUR, VARANASI
VARANASI , UTTAR PRADESH
221002
Email- pvchr.adv@gmail.com , Mob No- 9935599331

Subject: Action Taken Report Called for(ATR) -411/34/16/2025.
 
Sir/ Madam,
 
        The complaint/ intimation dated 03/03/2025, was placed before the Commission on 16/12/2025. Upon perusing the same, the Commission directed as follows:
 
         

The complainant alleged that on 6/10/2024, police from Khunti Mahila Thana took a minor boy to the station and beat him severely while looking for his father in connection with a human trafficking case. Despite police officials denying any beating occurred and stating the boy was only brought in for questioning, a social worker reported that the 15-year-old was found unable to walk and had to be seated on the floor at the police station. The social worker stated that the child's mother informed them about the incident, which was further confirmed by the child's maternal uncle.


Let a copy of complaint be transmitted to the SP, Khunti, Jharkhand calling for an Action Taken Report within four weeks.

Put up after four weeks.
 
2.      Accordingly, I am forwarding herewith a copy of the complaint/ intimation as an attachment for taking appropriate action in the matter as per the directions of the Commission. It is requested that an Action Taken Report be sent to the Commission within 4 weeks from the date of receipt of this letter.
 
3.     Any communication by public authorities in this matter may please be sent to the Commission through the HRCNet Portal (https://hrcnet.nic.in) by using id and password already provided to the public authorities (click Authority Login). Any Audio/ Video CDs/ pen drives etc. may be sent through Speed Post/ per bearer. The reports/ responses sent through email may not be entertained.

Your’s faithfully
Sd/-
Indrajeet Kumar
DEPUTY REGISTRAR (LAW)
M-6 Section
Ph. No. 011-24663276

CC to

Complainant Details
Case No. 411/34/16/2025
DR LENIN RAGHUVANSHI
SA 4/2 A DAULATPUR, PANDEYPUR VARANASI, DAULATPUR, VARANASI
VARANASI , UTTAR PRADESH
221002
Email- pvchr.adv@gmail.com , Mob No- 9935599331

Indrajeet Kumar
DEPUTY REGISTRAR (LAW)
M-6 Section
Ph. No. 011-24663276



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