The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken cognisance of a sensitive case involving a minor Ladakhi girl who went missing from her home in late December and was later found in Srinagar. Expressing concern over the allegations and the circumstances surrounding the case, the rights panel has issued notices to the Leh district administration and senior police authorities, seeking a detailed action-taken report within seven days.

According to the proceedings of the case dated January 2, the NHRC acted on a complaint alleging serious lapses and possible human rights violations in the handling of the matter. The girl, who belongs to a tribal Buddhist community from the Khalatse area of Ladakh, is currently under the supervision of a Child Welfare Committee (CWC) and is stated to be suffering from mental trauma.

The complaint was filed by Sagar Bhante, a resident of Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh, who sought the intervention of the national rights body, citing concerns about the investigation and the welfare of the minor.

As per the complaint and the proceedings recorded by the NHRC, the minor girl went missing from her home on December 26, 2025. Her family, alarmed by her disappearance, lodged a missing person complaint with the Khalatse police station. An FIR, numbered 39/2025, was registered on December 28 under Section 137 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with relevant provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

During the course of the police investigation, the girl was reportedly traced to Srinagar, where she was found in the company of a Muslim boy. This aspect of the case has drawn heightened attention due to its sensitive nature, the minor’s age, and the social and communal dimensions involved.

The NHRC proceedings note that following her recovery, the girl was placed under the care and supervision of a Child Welfare Committee, as mandated under child protection laws. However, it was also recorded that the minor is experiencing mental trauma, raising concerns about her psychological well-being and the adequacy of support systems being provided to her.

In his complaint, Bhante urged the NHRC to ensure an impartial and thorough investigation into the role of all individuals involved in the case. He sought justice for the victim and her family and requested that the authorities provide comprehensive protection and support to the girl, including medical care, psychological counselling, and legal assistance.

The complainant further alleged that due to social pressure at the local level, the case was not being treated with the seriousness it deserved. He expressed apprehension that the sensitivity of the matter, coupled with local dynamics, could influence the course of the investigation and potentially undermine the rights and interests of the minor.

“Due to social pressure at the local level, this sensitive case is not receiving the seriousness it warrants,” the complaint stated. It also called for a detailed action-taken report from the police and the civil administration, in strict accordance with the law.

After examining the contents of the complaint, the NHRC observed that the allegations prima facie appeared to indicate violations of the human rights of the victim. The Commission noted that the case involved a minor and raised issues related to child protection, mental health, and the responsibility of state authorities to ensure safety, dignity, and due process.

A bench of the National Human Rights Commission, presided over by its member Priyank Kanoongo, took cognisance of the matter under Section 12 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993. This provision empowers the Commission to inquire, either suo motu or on the basis of a complaint, into alleged violations of human rights or negligence by public servants in the prevention of such violations.

In its directions, the NHRC instructed its Registry to issue notices to the Deputy Commissioner (DC), Leh, and the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) or Deputy Inspector General (DIG), Leh, Ladakh. The Commission has asked both authorities to ensure that the allegations made in the complaint are properly inquired into.

“The Registry is directed to issue a notice to the DC, Leh and the SSP/DIG, Leh, Ladakh, with directions to get the allegations made in the complaint inquired into and to submit an action taken report within seven days for perusal of the Commission,” the proceedings state.

The NHRC’s intervention underscores its role in monitoring cases involving minors, particularly those that raise concerns about the effectiveness and impartiality of law enforcement and administrative responses. Human rights experts note that when cases involve children, especially from tribal or marginalised communities, authorities are expected to follow stringent safeguards laid down under child protection laws, including the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act and the POCSO Act.

The case has also drawn attention to the psychological impact such incidents can have on minors. The NHRC’s observation regarding the girl’s mental trauma highlights the importance of trauma-informed care, counselling, and long-term support for children who go through distressing experiences.

While the Commission has not made any findings on the merits of the allegations at this stage, its decision to issue notices reflects a preliminary assessment that the matter warrants close scrutiny. The action-taken reports to be submitted by the Leh administration and police are expected to detail the steps taken during the investigation, the measures adopted to protect the minor, and the support being provided to her and her family.

The NHRC’s involvement is likely to put additional pressure on local authorities to ensure transparency, accountability, and adherence to legal procedures. The Commission may issue further directions based on the responses received from the district administration and the police.

As the case progresses, it remains under the watch of both child protection mechanisms and the national human rights body. The outcome of the NHRC’s inquiry could have wider implications for how sensitive cases involving minors are handled in remote and socially complex regions like Ladakh, particularly when allegations of social pressure and inadequate response are raised.

For now, the focus remains on ensuring the safety, well-being, and rights of the minor girl, while the authorities are called upon to demonstrate that the rule of law and child protection norms are being upheld without fear or favour.