3 days ago
NHRC Seeks Reports on Journalist Harassment and Unsafe School
The National Human Rights Commission looked into two news reports.
One said three women journalists were sexually harassed by police during a protest in New Delhi on October 3.
The women also complained that officers manhandled them while they were detained.
Police said the complaint was recorded, medical examinations were done, and the matter was sent to the Crime Branch.
The NHRC asked the Delhi Police Commissioner to send a report within two weeks.
Protesters were later detained after a clash with police, and they said they had been asking for an official case to be registered.
In another report, a school in Darbhanga was said to have a damaged roof held up by benches, desks and bricks.
The NHRC asked the district magistrate for a report because the condition could endanger around 191 students and staff.
These are allegations and reported concerns, not final findings by the NHRC.
The NHRC took suo motu cognisance of a report alleging three women journalists were sexually harassed by Delhi Police personnel during a protest at Jantar Mantar on October 3.
The Commission asked the Delhi Police Commissioner for a detailed report within two weeks.
The women complained on October 4 of being manhandled during detention; police said medical examinations were conducted and the complaint was referred to the Crime Branch.
Protesters demonstrating over the alleged misconduct were detained on October 5 after a clash with police; protesters said they were seeking an FIR and were treated poorly.
In a separate matter, the NHRC sought a report from the Darbhanga district magistrate about a school roof reportedly propped up with benches, desks and bricks, posing a risk to about 191 students and staff.
- Who
- The NHRC, three women identifying themselves as journalists, Delhi Police, protesters, and the Darbhanga district administration.
- What
- The NHRC sought reports on allegations of sexual harassment and manhandling of women journalists, and on a reportedly unsafe primary-school roof.
- Where
- Jantar Mantar and the area outside Parliament Street Police Station in New Delhi; a government primary school in Kiratpur, Darbhanga district, Bihar.
- When
- The alleged incident at Jantar Mantar occurred on October 3; the women complained on October 4; protesters were detained on October 5. Both NHRC notices sought reports within two weeks.
- Why
- The NHRC said the reports, if true, raised serious human-rights concerns, including potential safety risks to school students and staff.
Complainants and reported concerns
Official actions and responses reported
Alleged treatment of journalists
Complainants and reported concerns
The three women alleged sexual harassment and said they were manhandled by Delhi Police personnel during detention.
Official actions and responses reported
Police said the complaint was registered, medical examinations were conducted, and the matter was referred to the Crime Branch; the articles do not report a final finding on the allegations.
Detention of protesters
Complainants and reported concerns
Protesters said they were demanding that an FIR be registered and alleged police treated them poorly before taking them into custody.
Official actions and responses reported
The report says the protesters were detained after a clash with police officers; it does not provide a fuller police account of their allegations.
School safety
Complainants and reported concerns
The report described the damaged roof as a risk to about 191 students and staff and said the administration appeared unaware of the situation.
Official actions and responses reported
The NHRC sought a report from the Darbhanga district magistrate; the articles provide no official response or account of the school’s condition.
Key facts
- Commission
- National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)
- Journalist complaint
- Three women identifying themselves as journalists complained of manhandling during detention; the media report alleged sexual harassment.
- Alleged protest incident
- October 3 at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi
- Police complaint handling
- Medical examinations were conducted and the matter was referred to the Delhi Police Crime Branch.
- NHRC report deadline
- The Delhi Police Commissioner and Darbhanga district magistrate were each asked to submit a detailed report within two weeks.
- School concern
- A government primary-school roof in Kiratpur was reportedly supported by wooden benches, desks and bricks after a main pillar collapsed.
- People potentially at risk
- About 191 students and school staff, according to the report cited by the NHRC.
Quotes
Neha Yadav
Deputy Commissioner of Police who commented on the complaint
“Around 6 PM, three women, who identified themselves as journalists, lodged a complaint alleging manhandling by Delhi Police officers and staff during their detention.”
deccanchronicle.com
“Their complaint has been registered, medical examinations have been conducted, and the matter has been referred to the Crime Branch.”
deccanchronicle.com
Sources
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