New Delhi, September 3, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The National Commission for Women (NCW) has taken suo motu cognisance of the reported gang-rape of a 16-year-old Class 11 student from Mainpuri, Uttar Pradesh, allegedly inside a moving sleeper bus in the National Capital Region (NCR), and sought an Action Taken Report (ATR) from Delhi Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar within a week.
In a letter to the Police Commissioner, NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar sought details of the investigation, forensic findings, chargesheet and oversight measures, according to an official statement issued on Thursday.
“The safety, dignity and rights of children are non-negotiable. The Commission will closely monitor the matter to ensure accountability and justice,” Rahatkar said.
She called for an expeditious investigation and custodial questioning of the accused to establish the complete sequence of events and the inter-state route allegedly traversed by the bus. She also called for strict application of all applicable provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including provisions relating to aggravated gang rape and criminal intimidation, with additional charges wherever warranted.
The NCW also directed authorities to preserve and examine forensic, physical and digital evidence, including medical evidence, the impounded bus, GPS and telematics data, call detail records (CDRs) and CCTV footage along the route.
Rahatkar called for comprehensive protection and support for the survivor and her family, including legal assistance, psychological counselling and compensation under applicable schemes.
In a separate case, the NCW took suo motu cognisance of the reported sexual harassment and molestation of 22 minor girls at an Adivasi Ashram Shala in Shahapur, Thane, allegedly by a kitchen helper. The Commission sought a report from the authorities within seven days.
Rahatkar called for an expeditious and comprehensive investigation, strict action under the POCSO Act and BNS, and an inquiry into alleged institutional lapses.
“Reports that the accused had previously been arrested under POCSO in 2024 for a similar offence and was subsequently posted at another institution are deeply concerning and warrant accountability,” she said.
The Commission also called for action against all responsible officials, protection of the victims’ identities and immediate medical, psychological and legal assistance, along with compensation. An ATR has been sought within seven days.
In a third case, the NCW took suo motu cognisance of the reported rape of an 11-year-old girl in Punjab’s Hoshiarpur, allegedly by a 52-year-old government school headmaster, and sought an ATR from the authorities within seven days.
“The alleged offence by an educator entrusted with the safety and well-being of children is deeply disturbing and warrants the strictest legal and administrative action,” Rahatkar said.
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