Issues notices to the Garhwa District Magistrate and SP, calling for a detailed report on the matter within two weeks
The report to include the status of the victim’s health and compensation, if any, paid to her
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report that a woman suffered 40% burn injuries after being attacked by a group of people, branding her a witch in Bhojpur village, Garhwa district, Jharkhand. Reportedly, the perpetrators, who are residing in the same village, poured boiling water on the victim during the attack.
The Commission has observed that the contents of the news, if true, raise serious issues of violation of human rights. Therefore, it has issued notices to the Garhwa District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police, calling for a detailed report on the matter within two weeks. It is expected to include the status of the victim’s health and compensation, if any, paid to her.
According to the media report, carried on 24th August 2026, the victim was admitted to the hospital for medical treatment and an investigation is underway.
