29/08/2026
NHRC Seeks Action Taken Report Over Alleged Police Inaction in Minor’s Death Case
Namsai, Aug, 29: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has sought an Action Taken Report (ATR) from the concerned authorities following a complaint alleging police inaction over allegations of sexual assault that surfaced after the death of a minor in Chowkham, Namsai district.
The intervention follows a complaint filed by Nikas Chakma, Child Rights Activist, before the NHRC, seeking its intervention into what the complaint describes as an alleged failure of the local police to act upon information concerning a possible sexual offence against a minor.
According to the complaint, the 16-year-old minor died on January 14, 2026, following an alleged poisoning incident. The complaint states that, after the cremation, the family came to know of allegations that the minor had been subjected to sexual assault. It further alleges that the incident had been witnessed by the minor’s elder sister.
The family subsequently approached Chowkham Police Station on January 20, 2026, and submitted a written complaint setting out the allegations. The complaint submitted to the NHRC alleges that the police did not initially register the case and reportedly took the position that action could not be taken in the absence of a post-mortem examination or the deceased’s body.
The complaint further alleges that, following the death, information concerning the alleged sexual assault was not acted upon promptly despite being brought before the police. Chakma urged the NHRC to examine whether the response of the police was consistent with their statutory obligations, particularly in view of the fact that the allegations concerned a minor.
A significant aspect of the representation is its reliance on the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 (POCSO Act). The complainant argued that the information disclosed a possible POCSO offence and referred to the statutory obligation concerning information relating to sexual offences against children.
The complaint also cited the Supreme Court’s landmark judgment in Lalita Kumari v. Government of Uttar Pradesh, concerning the registration of an FIR when information discloses a cognizable offence. The complainant specifically contended that the absence of a post-mortem examination should not, by itself, prevent the registration of a case where the information otherwise discloses a cognizable offence.
Seeking relief from the NHRC, Mr. Chakma called for an independent inquiry into the allegations, appropriate action against any officials found responsible for deliberate inaction, registration of the complaint in accordance with law, and protection of the family from intimidation. The complaint also sought compensation and other relief for the minor’s family.
The NHRC has now taken cognisance of the matter on August 11, 2026, and has called for an Action Taken Report from the concerned authorities, including the Superintendent of Police, Namsai district.
As per the latest reports, Chowkham Police is now taking action and investigating the matter. The present course of investigation will therefore be significant in establishing the facts, examining the allegations raised by the family and determining whether any lapse occurred in the initial handling of the complaint.
