Archive · 29 Sep 2026
NHRC Probes Alleged Use of Minors in Etah Reels
The NHRC is examining videos involving children connected to a coaching centre in Etah.
The children were allegedly made to appear in scripted social media videos.
Some reports say the videos showed them insulting Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The videos were reportedly shared repeatedly through an Instagram account.
The NHRC wants the children protected and supported, rather than treated as suspects.
It is asking who controlled the account and which adults helped create the videos.
Meta India must explain why the videos were repeatedly uploaded and whether anyone made money from them.
The investigation may lead to legal action if a crime is established.
The NHRC acted on allegations that minors linked to an Etah coaching centre were used in scripted social media videos.
The videos were reportedly circulated repeatedly through an Instagram account and allegedly included minors abusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The Commission raised concerns about the children’s dignity, privacy, psychological well-being, consent and possible exploitation.
The NHRC directed Etah authorities to identify and protect the children, investigate adults involved, and pursue legal action if a cognizable offence is established.
Meta India was asked about repeated uploads, content restrictions or removal, possible monetisation, and preservation of digital evidence.
- Who
- The National Human Rights Commission, minors, adults allegedly involved in the content, Etah authorities, Meta India, and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.
- What
- The NHRC is investigating allegations that minors were scripted and used in objectionable, politically charged reels, including alleged abuse of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
- When
- The authorities were asked to submit Action Taken Reports within two weeks; the report does not specify when the alleged videos were made.
- Where
- The allegations concern a purported coaching centre in Etah, Uttar Pradesh, and videos circulated through an Instagram account.
- Why
- The NHRC is responding to concerns about the minors’ dignity, privacy, psychological well-being, consent, possible exploitation, and the repeated circulation or commercial use of the content.
- Investigating body
- National Human Rights Commission
- Reported location
- A purported coaching centre in Etah, Uttar Pradesh
- Content allegation
- Minors were allegedly scripted and used in politically charged social media videos, including reels reportedly abusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi
- Authorities notified
- Etah’s Senior Superintendent of Police and District Magistrate, Meta India, and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology
- Deadline
- Action Taken Reports were requested within two weeks
- Protection measures
- Police were directed to identify the children and arrange appropriate protection and counselling
- Meta’s required response
- Explain repeated uploads, restriction or removal efforts, possible monetisation or commercial benefit, and digital-evidence preservation
