NHRC Requests Report from Punjab Government on Pastor's Alleged Harassment of Minor
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Synopsis
On March 7, the NHRC demanded a report from Punjab authorities regarding a pastor accused of sexually harassing a minor girl for three years, following a media report. The Commission aims to ensure justice and accountability for the victim.
Key Takeaways
- NHRC seeks Punjab government report on pastor's actions.
- Allegations involve sexual harassment over three years.
- Victim reported inappropriate contact initiated in 2017.
- Request for action under POCSO Act and related laws.
- NHRC previously addressed another case of family ostracisation.
New Delhi, March 7 (NationPress) The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has requested a report from the Punjab government and the state police within one week regarding a complaint against a pastor accused of sexually harassing a minor girl for a duration of three years.
In response to a media report detailing the alleged harassment occurring on church grounds, the Commission issued notices to the Kapurthala District Magistrate and the Senior Superintendent of Police in the district, instructing them to investigate the situation and provide an action taken report.
The complainant informed the Commission through a newspaper article that the accused, a pastor, had reportedly been involved in the sexual harassment of the minor since 2022.
The victim stated that during a visit to the church in 2017, the accused had exchanged contact numbers with her and sent inappropriate messages.
Furthermore, it was alleged that the pastor took the victim to a secluded cabin within the church, committing acts of sexual harassment under the guise of superstitions and other matters.
The complainant has requested the Commission's intervention and demanded stringent action against the accused pastor under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, and other relevant laws.
Earlier this week, the NHRC also took suo motu cognizance of a media report and requested a report within two weeks from the Tamil Nadu government concerning an incident where nearly 30 members from eight families faced ostracisation in a village.
The report indicated that a village head ostracised an entire family that had taken him to court over land encroachment in Sambavarvadakarai town. Seven additional families were also ostracised for supporting the litigating family. It was reported that police apprehended 30 individuals from the eight families during their protest in front of the District Collector's office against their ostracism.
According to media coverage from February 20, 2025, the victim families were denied access to local shops, services, and communication with other community members.
