Defending the Defenceless: NHRC Intervenes After 5-Year-Old Abused in School
(Judicial Quest News Network)
New Delhi, July 29, 2026: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India has taken Suo motu cognizance of a reported incident involving the alleged torture and inhuman treatment of a five-year-old student by a teacher at a private school in Uttar Pradesh’s Varanasi district.
Taking note of media reports, the Commission has issued notices to the Chief Secretary of Uttar Pradesh and the Commissioner of Police, Varanasi, directing them to submit a detailed report within two weeks. The Commission has sought, among other details, an update on the medical condition and health status of the child.
According to the report, the alleged incident occurred after the child urinated in his clothes during school hours. The teacher, reportedly enraged by the incident, is alleged to have taken the boy to the school kitchen and branded his private parts with a heated knife, causing grievous physical and psychological trauma.
Observing that the allegations, if substantiated, disclose a grave violation of the child’s human rights and dignity, the NHRC noted that the matter warrants immediate intervention. The Commission’s proceedings have been initiated in exercise of its Suo motu jurisdiction based on media reportage.
As per reports published on July 28, 2026, the child disclosed the incident to his parents after returning home. It has further been alleged that the teacher threatened the boy with more severe consequences should he reveal the abuse to anyone.
The NHRC’s inquiry is expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident, the response of the local authorities, and the measures taken to ensure the child’s safety, medical care, and access to justice.
