The National Human Rights Commission has launched an inquiry into reports of a child injured during a recent protest in Delhi. Authorities are tasked with ensuring medical aid and investigating how a minor became involved in the demonstration. The event occurred during a march toward Parliament regarding competitive exam irregularities.
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has initiated an investigation following reports that a 12-year-old child was injured during a large-scale demonstration in Delhi. The commission has issued directives to local authorities to locate the child immediately to ensure she receives necessary medical care. This inquiry follows complaints regarding the child's involvement in the protest and alleged instances of mistreatment during the demonstration.
Focus on Child Protection and Protest Conduct
The NHRC, led by member Priyank Kanoongo, is examining the circumstances that led to a minor participating in the protest. The investigation aims to determine if there were violations of the Juvenile Justice Act and whether any legal breaches occurred regarding child protection. The commission has stated that it is prepared to initiate proceedings against any parties found responsible if the allegations are confirmed through their inquiry.
Conflicting Accounts of the Event
The intervention by the NHRC follows claims made by the Citizens for Justice and Peace (CJP), which asserted that a 12-year-old girl named Geetanjali suffered a head injury during the event. The CJP also alleged that multiple other protesters were injured during the march. Conversely, the Delhi Police have publicly denied these reports. Through official statements, the police dismissed claims of assault as false and unsubstantiated, warning against the spread of unverified information regarding the conduct of security personnel.
Security and Ongoing Investigations
The protests involved thousands of participants gathering near Jantar Mantar with the intent to march toward Parliament during the Monsoon Session. Security measures included the use of barricades, which led to clashes between protesters and security forces. According to reports from the area, over 70 protesters were detained, while more than 50 security personnel, including paramilitary members, reportedly sustained injuries during the confrontation.
The Delhi Police are currently managing the situation by filing multiple First Information Reports (FIRs) related to the incident. Investigators are in the process of reviewing CCTV footage and video evidence gathered from the protest sites to establish the sequence of events. Meanwhile, activist Sonam Wangchuk has extended his hunger strike, now in its 23rd day, stating that the police action against the protesters has influenced his decision to continue his fast until youth leaders can engage with parliamentarians. The next steps in the legal process will depend on the findings of the ongoing police investigations and the outcomes of the NHRC inquiry.