NHRC notices to the Delhi Chief Secretary and the Police Commissioner over the reported police inaction on the complaints of harassment by a stalker before grievously stabbed by him in Lado Sarai

Press Release

National Human Rights Commission

New Delhi, 18th October, 2023

NHRC notices to the Delhi Chief Secretary and the Police Commissioner over the reported police inaction on the complaints of harassment by a stalker before grievously stabbed by him in Lado Sarai

The National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, India has taken suomotu cognizance of a media report that the family of the victim of a stabbing in Delhi on 12th October, 2023 had, allegedly, approached the police at least four times to complain about the stalking and harassment by the attacker but no action was taken. Reportedly, the police denied having received any complaint but also stated that the phone of the victim was yet to be unlocked allegedly containing online copies of the complaints filed by her. The 23-year-old woman was stabbed over a dozen times by her alleged stalker inflicting critical injuries on her head, face, neck and thighs, while she was boarding a taxi in Lado Sarai area.

The Commission has observed that the contents of the media report, if true, amount to a violation of human rights relating to life, liberty and dignity of the victim. Accordingly, it has issued notices to the Chief Secretary, Government of NCT of Delhi and the Commissioner of Police, Delhi calling for a detailed report in the matter within four weeks.

The report should also include action taken against the perpetrator and the police personnel who were responsible for not taking timely action in the matter. The Commission would also like to know the status of the investigation being conducted by the police, the health status of the victim and relief/rehabilitation given to the victim by the administration.

According to the media report, carried on 14th October, 2023, the man allegedly misbehaved with the victim in the office where they were working two years back. On reporting the matter to the office management, he was fired. After this, allegedly, holding a grudge against the woman, he started keeping track of her movement, accosting her multiple times. The complaints were filed with the police against him but to no avail. Reportedly, an uncle of the victim has also stated that the attacker has even threatened to kill her if she survived the stabbing.

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