The National Human Rights Commission has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report that a 16-year-old boy from Shahjahanpur district, Uttar Pradesh, was allegedly arrested and kept illegally as an adult inmate in Kasna Jail for more than two months. Even after an ossification test confirmed him to be a minor, it reportedly took six more days to shift him to a juvenile home. Despite being granted bail by the court, he continues to remain in the juvenile home as his family is unable to arrange the surety bond. Reportedly, the boy was arrested following protests by labourers demanding a pay hike and improved working conditions.
Observing that the contents of the news report, if true, raise a serious issue of human rights violation, the Commission has issued notices to the Director General of Prisons Administration and Reform Services and the Director General of Police, Uttar Pradesh, calling for a detailed report within two weeks. The Commission has also directed its Director General (Investigation) to depute a team of officers to conduct a spot enquiry and submit a report within one week.
As per the media report, the boy was allegedly called to collect a parcel in his name, whereupon he was arrested by the police. An FIR was registered against him under several serious provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. It has further been alleged that he was assaulted by the police and compelled to sign certain documents. The Commission is examining the matter in view of the allegations of illegal confinement of a minor and the consequent human rights concerns arising therefrom.
Source: NHRC Press Release
