20-Year-Old Woman Gang Raped in Sidhi: NHRC Initiates Suo Motu Action

(Syed Ali Taher Abedi)

New Delhi, August 20, 2025 — The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of India has taken Suo motu cognizance of a disturbing media report concerning the alleged gang rape of a 20-year-old woman in Sidhi district, Madhya Pradesh. According to the report, the young woman had gone out with her fiancé when they were reportedly accosted by four individuals. The assailants allegedly raped the woman and physically assaulted her partner.

The Chairman of NHRC Justice V. Ramasubramanin has issued a notice  

Following the traumatic incident, the couple managed to escape and reached the nearest police station, where they proceeded to file a First Information Report (FIR).

In response to the gravity of the situation, the Commission has issued a formal notice to the Director General of Police (DGP), Madhya Pradesh, seeking a comprehensive report on the matter within two weeks. The NHRC has specifically requested that the report include:

The current status and progress of the police investigation Details regarding the medical condition and recovery of the victim Any immediate action taken by law enforcement authorities Measures being adopted to ensure the safety and rehabilitation of the survivor

The Commission has emphasized the importance of swift and transparent action in such cases, underscoring its commitment to upholding the rights and dignity of victims of sexual violence.

The Commission has observed that the contents of the news report, if true, raise serious issues of violation of human rights. Therefore, it has issued a notice to the Director General of Police, Madhya Pradesh, calling for a detailed report on the matter within two weeks.

The report is expected to include the status of the investigation as well as the health of the victim.