New Delhi, August 27: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognizance of a disturbing incident in Bhojpur village, Garhwa district, Jharkhand. Reports indicate that a woman was severely scalded, suffering burns up to 40%, after being accused of witchcraft. The assailant, a resident of the same village, allegedly poured boiling water on the victim during the attack.
The NHRC has stated that if the information reported is accurate, this constitutes a serious violation of human rights. Consequently, the commission has issued notices to the District Magistrate and the Superintendent of Police in Garhwa, demanding a detailed report within two weeks. This report should include the victim’s health status and any compensation provided, if applicable.
According to media reports published on August 24, 2026, the victim was hospitalized for treatment, and an investigation is currently underway.
In addition, the NHRC has also taken notice of a media report regarding the death of a 57-year-old woman who was a victim of rape during a clinical trial at a government hospital in Panipat, Haryana, on August 16. She passed away on August 18 while receiving treatment at the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences in Rohtak.
The commission has recognized that if the facts mentioned in the news are true, this raises serious human rights concerns. Therefore, notices have been issued to the Chief Secretary of Haryana and the Superintendent of Police in Panipat, requesting a comprehensive report within two weeks.
According to a media report published on August 19, the critically ill patient was taken to a government hospital for treatment, where doctors recommended an X-ray and CT scan. Inside the CT scan room, the machine operator allegedly raped the victim and threatened her against disclosing the incident.
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