NCPCR writes to Manipur DGP over disclosing identity of minor apprehended in women video incident

The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) on Monday sent a letter to Manipur's Director General of Police, expressing concern regarding the disclosure of the identity of a minor, allegedly involved as a perpetrator in a recent incident in Manipur, along with three other persons.

It urgently requested the DGP to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter and promptly lodge a FIR against the accused perpetrators.

Additionally, the NCPCR asked the DGP to provide an Action Taken Report along with a copy of the FIR to the Commission within three days from the date of receiving the letter.

It emphasised the need to handle the case with sensitivity and protect the rights and privacy of the minor boy involved.

"The Commission is in receipt of complaint pertaining to disclosing of the identity of a minor boy aged 14 year by three individuals - namely, Tarun Bharatiya from Motinagar Shillong, Meghalaya, Subhashini Ali, a Member of Communist Party of India-Marxist and Kamaludeen Muscthacudin alias Kamaludeen M, from Tamil Nadu alleging the said minor boy as perpetrator in the recent incident of Manipur," the letter read.

"Further, it has been informed to the Commission that these individuals were involved and can be seen in the recent video of the horrenduous incident from Manipur. Furthermore, it has been also informed to the Commission that the dissemination of pictures of the minor has caused mental trauma and in the state of shock," the letter further read.

"Keeping in view the sensitivity of the matter and alleging the minor boy as perpetrator is a matter of concern in view of the safety and security of the minor, and therefore, prime facie it appears to be violation of Article 21 of the Constitution of India, 1950, Section 75 of Juvenile Justice Act, 2015, Section 66E of Information Technology Act, 2000 and other relevant provisions of law," it said.

"It is, therefore, requested to investigate the matter urgently in order to lodge an FIR against the said perpetrators at once and an Action Taken Report along with copy of FIR may please be submitted to the Commission within three days of receipt of this letter,” the NCPCR added.