NHRC, India takes suo motu cognizance of the reported sexual assault and torture of 5 minors in captivity for 18 hours on suspicion of theft in DLF Phase 3 area of Gurugram in Haryana

NHRC, India takes suo motu cognizance of the reported sexual assault and torture of 5 minors in captivity for 18 hours on suspicion of theft in DLF Phase 3 area of Gurugram in Haryana

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report that 5 children, aged between 11 to 14 years, were held captive for 18 hours at an under-construction building in DLF Phase 3 area of Gurugram in Haryana. Reportedly, the children were detained by the contractor and his four workers on the suspicion that they were attempting to steal some construction material. The victims were reportedly stripped, sexually assaulted and tortured. The perpetrators also allegedly poured petrol over them.

The Commission has observed that the contents of the news report, if true, raise serious issues of violation of human rights of the victim children. Therefore, it has issued a notice to the Commissioner of Police, calling for a detailed report on the matter within two weeks.

According to the media report, carried on 5th February 2026, on reaching the spot, the children’s mothers were also made to sit along with them and subjected to humiliation by the perpetrators. The incident came to light when the mother of one of the victims approached the police to register a complaint on 3rd February 2026.