New Delhi, September 1, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued notices to the governments of Delhi and Uttar Pradesh over the alleged rape of a 16-year-old girl inside a moving sleeper bus, while raising concerns that several states have failed to act on its earlier warnings about safety violations in such vehicles.
NHRC member Priyank Kanoongo said the alleged assault, which occurred inside a moving sleeper coach over a distance of nearly 47 km, highlighted serious concerns about passenger safety. He said the Commission had sought a probe into the incident and directed authorities to ensure rehabilitation of the survivor.
Kanoongo said the NHRC had been cautioning state governments for nearly a year that sleeper buses were allegedly violating prescribed norms. He said cabins, curtains and similar features in sleeper coaches could compromise passenger safety and urged states to examine the issue and take effective measures.
According to police, the incident occurred near Pari Chowk in Greater Noida on August 4. The survivor alleged in her complaint that two men sexually assaulted her and threatened to kill her if she resisted. She was subsequently abandoned near Kashmere Gate in Delhi.
The accused, identified by police as bus driver Kuldeep and conductor Sandeep, were arrested from a parking area in Timarpur on the same day.
Kanoongo also expressed concern over the death of a 10-year-old girl who was allegedly made to stand in the sun as punishment. He pointed to provisions under Section 17 of the Right to Education Act and Section 75 of the Juvenile Justice Act, which prohibit physical and mental punishment or harassment of children.
Describing the incident as serious, he said the NHRC had issued notices to the Delhi Police and the Delhi government’s Education Department. The Commission has sought action against the teachers and school management allegedly responsible, including registration of an FIR, with Kanoongo saying the action should serve as a deterrent against harsh treatment of students.
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