NHRC slams Madhya Pradesh over student abuse case, calls it organised crime
BHOPAL: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued a stern advisory to the Chief Secretary and DGP of Madhya Pradesh, citing serious lapses in the investigation of alleged sexual exploitation and coercion of female students from a private college in Bhopal.
Calling it “an organised crime being committed against female students,” the NHRC said the accused “trapped them in a love trap, raped them and made obscene videos,” while also pressuring them for religious conversion and marriage.
Following a spot inquiry, the Commission found the investigation “incomplete and inconclusive,” adding that links between the accused and a wider criminal network “within the state as well as pan-India… need to be ascertained.” It also flagged a lack of action on enforcing anti-ragging regulations and safeguarding victims.
The NHRC directed the state to ensure victims resume their education, be shifted to safe colleges, and receive pending and fresh scholarships. On compensation, the Commission called the proposed Rs 50,000 payout “meager,” ordering instead that each victim be paid Rs 5 lakh and Rs 6 lakh to the minor victim under POCSO.
Victim safety was also emphasized, with the NHRC directing authorities to “provide adequate and continuous security.” The demolition of Club-90, a site allegedly tied to the crime, without evidence collection, was deemed a “major lapse,” prompting orders for a forensic probe and departmental action.
The NHRC concluded the allegations reveal a “serious issue” involving “deceitful romantic relationships… sexual exploitation and forced conversions,” describing it as a “Pattern of Dominant Gender Crime of Trafficking.”
A compliance report has been requested by July 25.
Calling it “an organised crime being committed against female students,” the NHRC said the accused “trapped them in a love trap, raped them and made obscene videos,” while also pressuring them for religious conversion and marriage.
Following a spot inquiry, the Commission found the investigation “incomplete and inconclusive,” adding that links between the accused and a wider criminal network “within the state as well as pan-India… need to be ascertained.” It also flagged a lack of action on enforcing anti-ragging regulations and safeguarding victims.
The NHRC directed the state to ensure victims resume their education, be shifted to safe colleges, and receive pending and fresh scholarships. On compensation, the Commission called the proposed Rs 50,000 payout “meager,” ordering instead that each victim be paid Rs 5 lakh and Rs 6 lakh to the minor victim under POCSO.
Victim safety was also emphasized, with the NHRC directing authorities to “provide adequate and continuous security.” The demolition of Club-90, a site allegedly tied to the crime, without evidence collection, was deemed a “major lapse,” prompting orders for a forensic probe and departmental action.
The NHRC concluded the allegations reveal a “serious issue” involving “deceitful romantic relationships… sexual exploitation and forced conversions,” describing it as a “Pattern of Dominant Gender Crime of Trafficking.”
A compliance report has been requested by July 25.
Next Story