NHRC Takes Suo Motu Cognizance of Alleged Assault on Dalit Minor Girl in Uttar Pradesh’s Deoria

June 5, 2026 : The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report alleging that a 14-year-old Scheduled Caste girl was tied to a tree and brutally assaulted by a shopkeeper on suspicion of theft in Uttar Pradesh’s Deoria district.

According to reports, the accused allegedly grabbed the victim by her hair and paraded her through the village before dragging her to his house. The girl was then reportedly tied to a tree and beaten severely.

Taking note of the incident, the NHRC observed that the allegations, if found to be true, raise a serious issue of human rights violations. The Commission has issued notices to the District Magistrate and the Superintendent of Police, Deoria, seeking a detailed report on the matter within two weeks.

The incident was reported in the media on June 2, 2026. The Commission noted that the alleged public humiliation and physical assault of a minor girl belonging to the Scheduled Caste community is a matter of grave concern and warrants immediate attention from the authorities.

The NHRC will examine the response submitted by the district administration and police before deciding on further action. The case has once again highlighted concerns regarding the protection of children’s rights, human dignity, and the safety of vulnerable communities.