NHRC Issues Notices to Delhi, Noida Police Over Gang-Rape of Minor on Bus

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has intervened in the case of an alleged gang-rape of a 16-year-old girl on a moving bus, issuing formal notices to the police chiefs of Gautam Buddh Nagar and Delhi alongside the district police chief of Mainpuri.

The rights panel took suo motu cognisance of media reports about the incident, which occurred after the minor boarded the bus at Pari Chowk in Greater Noida on the night of August 4.

According to the details highlighted by the rights body, the victim had boarded the bus at Pari Chowk under the belief that she was travelling toward Noida Sector 63, where she intended to be dropped off. However, while travelling on the route, she was allegedly subjected to gang-rape inside the moving vehicle by the bus driver and the bus conductor.

Following the sexual assault, the accused driver and conductor allegedly threatened the 16-year-old girl with her life. They subsequently abandoned the teenager near the Kashmere Gate Bus Terminal located in north Delhi.

The National Human Rights Commission observed that the reported allegations, if found to be true, raised serious human rights concerns. Taking a stern view of the reported crime against the minor, the panel initiated suo motu proceedings to ensure accountability and prompt action by law enforcement agencies.

As part of the proceedings, the commission issued notices directly to the Police Commissioner of Gautam Buddh Nagar, the Police Commissioner of Delhi, and the Superintendent of Police of Mainpuri.

The NHRC has called upon the senior police officials to submit a comprehensive and detailed report on the incident within a timeframe of two weeks. In its directive, the commission has specifically sought clear information outlining the status of the ongoing criminal investigation into the bus driver and conductor, as well as details concerning any state compensation or assistance extended to the victim.