NHRC, India takes suo motu cognizance of the reported branding of three children by a faith healer in Jhabua, Madhya Pradesh

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report that three children suffering from pneumonia were branded with a hot iron rod by a faith healer in Jhabua district of Madhya Pradesh. Reportedly, the condition of one of the children is serious. The doctors have confirmed that the victim children were suffering from pneumonia and there were burn marks on their bodies.

The Commission has observed that the contents of the news report, if true, raise serious issues of violation of human rights. Therefore, it has issued notices to the District Magistrate and the Superintendent of Police, Jhabua, calling for a detailed report on the matter within two weeks.

According to the media report carried on 25th September, 2025 the parents of the children themselves brought them to the faith healer.