When Seeking Justice Becomes a Risk: Targeting of a Human Rights Defender in Varanasi

When Seeking Justice Becomes a Risk: Targeting of a Human Rights Defender in Varanasi
By Lenin Raghuvanshi
(Human Rights Defender)

Human rights work in India often comes at a cost. What begins as support to a survivor can quickly turn into intimidation, surveillance, and targeting by authorities meant to protect citizens.

Background of the Case

On 9 July 2024, a Hindi daily newspaper Amar Ujala (Varanasi edition) published a report titled:

“एनजीओ में काम करने वाली युवती से साथी और सिपाही ने दुष्कर्म किया”

(An NGO worker raped by her colleague and a police constable)

The report detailed the sexual exploitation of a young woman working with an NGO, allegedly raped on the false promise of marriage. It further stated that when the survivor pressured the accused for marriage, a police constable was engaged, who also sexually assaulted her. The survivor reportedly faced forced abortions, threats, and exploitation.

Following the publication and the survivor’s complaint:

• FIR No. 243/2024 was registered at PS Lalpur Pandeypur, Varanasi

• Charges included Sections 376, 313, 504, 506 IPC

• One accused was arrested and charge-sheeted

• The involvement of a police personnel raised serious concerns of custodial abuse of power

Complaint Before NHRC

As a human rights defender, I submitted a complaint to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) seeking:

• Protection and safety of the survivor

• Accountability of the accused, including departmental action against the police personnel

• Compensation and rehabilitation for the survivor

The NHRC, after examining the matter, passed multiple orders. Most importantly:

• NHRC acknowledged the seriousness of the allegations

• Directed reports from senior police authorities

• Sought a departmental action report from 11th PAC, Sitapur

• Issued final reminders due to non-compliance by authorities

The NHRC’s Additional Information Call (AIC) dated 19 August 2025 clearly shows continued monitoring and concern over delay and inaction.

Targeting After Intervention

After pursuing the case and engaging constitutional mechanisms, I began facing hostile actions from the local police:

• Unnecessary scrutiny and intimidation

• Attempts to discredit my role as a human rights defender

• Pressure tactics seemingly aimed at discouraging follow-up on the case

• A pattern suggesting retaliation for assisting a survivor and approaching NHRC

This targeting is not an isolated incident. Across India, human rights defenders who assist survivors of sexual violence—especially where police are involved—face similar reprisals.

Why This Matters

Targeting a human rights defender:

• Violates Article 21 of the Constitution

• Undermines access to justice for survivors

• Directly contradicts India’s obligations under international human rights law

• Sends a chilling message to civil society and whistleblowers

If those who support survivors are silenced, justice becomes impossible.

Appeal

I urge:

• NHRC to take cognizance of retaliatory targeting

• Senior police leadership to ensure protection of human rights defenders

• Civil society, media, and legal community to remain vigilant

Seeking justice is not a crime. Defending human rights should never become a reason for persecution.

From: <nhrc.india@nic.in>
Date: Tue, Aug 19, 2025 at 4:40 PM
Subject: Additional Information Called for(AIC) -16984/24/72/2024-wc
To: <eowhq@up.nic.in>, <adgeow@nic.in>, <pvchr.adv@gmail.com>

NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION

MANAV ADHIKAR BHAWAN BLOCK-C, GPO COMPLEX, INA, NEW DELHI- 110023

Fax No.: 011-24651332    Website: www.nhrc.nic.in

(Law Division)

Case No.- 16984/24/72/2024-wc

---

Date : 19/08/2025

To,

ADDITIONAL DIRECTOR GENERAL Economic Offences Wing, Police Bhawan, near EKANA Stadium, Gomti Nagar, LUCKNOW UTTAR PRADESH Email- eowhq@up.nic.in,adgeow@nic.in

Sub : Complaint/ Intimation from

LENIN RAGHUVNASHI SA 4/2A DAULATPUR VARANASI VARANASI , UTTAR PRADESH 221002 Email- pvchr.adv@gmail.com , Mob No- 9935599331

Subject: Additional Information Called for(AIC) -16984/24/72/2024-wc.

Sir/ Madam,

I am directed to say that the matter was considered by the Commission on 19/08/2025 and the Commission has directed as follows.:

In this case, the Commission vide order dated 17.04.2025 observed and directed as under:    “1. The complainant has quoted a news published in the Amar Ujaala dated 09.07.2024 captioned 'NGO mein kaam karne wali yuvati se sathi aur sipahi ne dushkarm kiya'. As per the news report, the victim was employed with an NGO and raped by the accused named in the complaint on false promise of marriage who get aborted her pregnancy twice. It is further reported that when the victim pressurized the accused for marriage, he engaged a Police Constable to teach her a lesson, who also raped her. The accused also took pic and video of the incident. As per the news report, on the direction of the Police Commissioner, a case has been registered at PS Lalpur Pandeypur, and the police have started investigation after arresting an accused. The complainant has requested intervention of the Commission in the matter and safety, security for the victim along with stern action against the accused persons. 2. Pursuant to reminder dtd 25.10.2024, a report dtd 29.10.2024 was received from Addl. DCP, Crime (Nodal HR), Varanasi. It is submitted that, based on the complaint received from the victim, a PS Lalpur Pandeypur FIR no. 243/2024 dtd 08.07.2024 u/s 376/313/504/506 IPC was filed against named alleged accused 1. Naveen Yadav, & 2. Vivek Yadav. Accused Naveen Yadav was arrested on dtd 09.07.2024. During investigation, sections 313 IPC was altered with 323 IPC. The investigation in the present case has been concluded and named accused Naveen Yadav is chargesheeted for crime committed u/s 323/376 IPC and accused Vivek Yadav has been chargesheeted u/s 504/506 IPC on dtd 23.07.2024. For issue related to compensation for crime committed u/s 376 IPC, the victim has been asked to provide related necessary documents to be placed before the DLSA, Varanasi. As and when the documents would be provided by the victim, application for compensation would be filed. 3. Pursuant to further direction regarding departmental action against accused (who was reported to be police official), the Addl. DCP/Nodal Officer, Varanasi, vide communication dated 07.03.2025 submitted that report regarding departmental action be called from the 11PAC Sitapur. 4. Regarding monetary relief, it is submitted that the DLSA, informed that the sanction has been granted by the competent authority and monetary relief will be released soon. 5. The Commission has considered the material placed on record. The submitted report revealed that 11th PAC Sitapur be called to submit report regarding departmental action against accused. 6. Therefore, let direction be issued to the Addl. Director General/PAC, Uttar Pradesh, to submit additional report in the matter, within six weeks. 7. The report dated 07.03.2025 of the Addl. DCP/Nodal Officer (HR), Varanasi, is also enclosed for ready reference.” Despite the Issuance of reminder, no requisite report has been received in the Commission. Let a final reminder be issued to the addl. Director General/PAC, Uttar Pradesh, to submit additional report in the matter, within six weeks. Put up after six weeks.

2.     It is therefore, requested that the additional/ complete report as directed by the Commission in the matter be sent latest by 10/10/2025, for futher consideration by the Commission.

3.     Any communication by public authorities in this matter may please be sent to the Commission through the HRCNet Portal (https://hrcnet.nic.in) by using id and password already provided to the public authorities (click Authority Login). Any Audio/ Video CDs/ pen drives etc. may be sent through Speed Post/ per bearer. The reports/ responses sent through email may not be entertained

Your’s faithfully Sd/- Atul Kumar ASSISTANT REGISTRAR (LAW) M-5 Section Ph. No. 011-24663287

CC to

Atul Kumar ASSISTANT REGISTRAR (LAW) M-5 Section

 

Compensation Denied Is Justice Denied: NHRC Seeks Accountability in Electrocution Death Case

The right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution of India does not end with death—it extends to dignity, accountability, and compensation for the family left behind. A recent communication from the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) once again exposes how systemic negligence and official apathy continue to deny justice to victims of electrocution deaths in India.

The Incident: A Preventable Death

On 21–22 February 2025, a young man, Guddu Sonkar (30), belonging to the Scheduled Caste community, lost his life after coming into contact with a high-voltage electric wire that had fallen near the bypass overbridge at Bankuthpur village, Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh.

The wire reportedly remained live and unattended, despite posing a clear and visible danger to the public. Such incidents are not accidents—they are the result of gross negligence, poor maintenance, and failure of public authorities to ensure safety.

NHRC Intervention and Demand for Action

Acting on a complaint filed on 28 February 2025, the NHRC took cognizance of the matter and directed the Chairman, Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (UPPCL) to submit an Action Taken Report (ATR).

Despite repeated directions and reminders issued on 14 July 2025 and 27 August 2025, no report was submitted by UPPCL.

Now, in its communication dated 22 December 2025, the NHRC has issued a final reminder, warning that failure to respond within two weeks may compel the Commission to invoke Section 13 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, which empowers the NHRC to summon officials and call for records.

The Core Issue: Compensation to the Victim’s Family

At the heart of this case lies a crucial question:

Why has compensation not yet been paid to the victim’s family?

Under established legal and human rights principles:

• Death caused by electrocution due to negligent maintenance of power lines attracts strict liability

• Victims’ families are entitled to monetary compensation from the electricity department

• Compensation is not charity—it is a constitutional and statutory obligation

The NHRC has consistently held that public authorities must compensate families of victims in cases involving:

• Hazardous public infrastructure

• Failure of duty of care

• Violation of safety norms

The delay in compensation compounds the suffering of the victim’s family, many of whom belong to economically and socially marginalized communities.

Accountability Must Follow Compensation

Compensation alone is not enough. The NHRC has also emphasized:

• Departmental action against negligent officials

• Fixing responsibility for failure to repair or secure live wires

• Preventive measures to avoid future electrocution deaths

When authorities ignore NHRC directions, they undermine not only the victim’s rights but also the rule of law.

A Broader Human Rights Concern

Electrocution deaths continue to claim lives across India—often of daily wage workers, pedestrians, and children. Each such death reflects:

• Institutional indifference

• Weak enforcement of safety standards

• A pattern of denial of timely compensation

The Mirzapur case is not an isolated incident—it is part of a national crisis demanding urgent reform.

 Justice Delayed Cannot Be Normalized

The NHRC’s final reminder is a clear message: human life cannot be treated as expendable. Authorities must:

1. Submit a truthful Action Taken Report

2. Provide adequate compensation to the victim’s family

3. Ensure accountability and preventive action

Justice begins with acknowledgment—and compensation is the first step toward restoring dignity to those left behind.

From: <nhrc.india@nic.in>
Date: Mon, Dec 22, 2025 at 4:38 PM
Subject: Additional Information Called for(AIC) -2168/24/55/2025
To: <cmd@uppcl.org>, <dgmir2020uppcl@gmail.com>, <pvchr.adv@gmail.com>

NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION

MANAV ADHIKAR BHAWAN BLOCK-C, GPO COMPLEX, INA, NEW DELHI- 110023

Fax No.: 011-24651332    Website: www.nhrc.nic.in

(Law Division)

Case No.- 2168/24/55/2025

---

Date : 22/12/2025

To,

THE CHAIRMAN UTTAR PRADESH POWER CORPORATION LIMITED, SHAKTI BHAWAN, ASHOK MARG LUCKNOW UTTAR PRADESH Email- cmd@uppcl.org,dgmir2020uppcl@gmail.com

Sub : Complaint/ Intimation from

DR LENIN RAGHUVANSHI SA 4/2 A DAULATPUR, PANDEYPUR VARANASI, DAULATPUR, VARANASI VARANASI , UTTAR PRADESH 221002 Email- pvchr.adv@gmail.com , Mob No- 9935599331

Subject: Additional Information Called for(AIC) -2168/24/55/2025.

Sir/ Madam,

I am directed to say that the matter was considered by the Commission on 22/12/2025 and the Commission has directed as follows.:

The Commission received a complaint on 28.02.2025 about hazardous employment in Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh. Upon pursuing the same, the Commission directed as follows: A contract worker, Kaushal Kishore, employed by the electricity company in Jabalpur district, died on 24-02-2025 while fixing a fault on a transformer pole. His body hung for 12 hours, showing police negligence. The incident occurred due to the lack of safety equipment and the violation of NHRC guidelines. The complainant requests a high-level investigation, action against negligent officials, and compensation for the deceased's family under the Workmen's Compensation Act. The Commission received a complaint on 28.02.2025 about death due to electrocution in Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh. Upon pursuing the same the Commission directed as follows: The complainant alleged that the victim died on 21-2-2025 after being struck by a high-voltage electric wire that fell near the bypass over bridge in Bankuthpur village and has requested for investigation of the incident and has requested for suitable compensation. The Commission vide proceedings dated 14/07/2025, followed by reminder dated 27/08/2025 directed to transmit a copy of the complaint to the  Chairman, UPCCL, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, through online mode, to ensure the needful action and submit the action taken report to the Commission within prescribed time frame. However, no report has yet been received. Let final reminder be issued to the Chairman, UPCCL, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, through online mode, to submit the requisite action taken report to the Commission within two weeks failing which the Commission shall be constrained to invoke Section 13 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993.

2.     It is therefore, requested that the additional/ complete report as directed by the Commission in the matter be sent latest by 15/01/2026, for futher consideration by the Commission.

3.     Any communication by public authorities in this matter may please be sent to the Commission through the HRCNet Portal (https://hrcnet.nic.in) by using id and password already provided to the public authorities (click Authority Login). Any Audio/ Video CDs/ pen drives etc. may be sent through Speed Post/ per bearer. The reports/ responses sent through email may not be entertained

Your’s faithfully Sd/- Atul Kumar ASSISTANT REGISTRAR (LAW) M-5 Section Ph. No. 011-24663287

 

HTDS Millennial Awards 2025 | Featuring Lenin Raghuvanshi

मुसहर समाज: मजदूर से मालिक बनने की जंग | Shruti Nagvanshi |

भारत के सबसे उपेक्षित माने जाने वाले मुसहर और नट समाज की किस्मत अब बदल रही है… और इस बदलाव की अगुवाई कर रही हैं – Shruti Nagvanshi। यह वीडियो सिर्फ देखने के लिए नहीं, सोच बदलने के लिए है। अगर आप मानते हैं कि मुसहर और वंचित समाज को हक और सम्मान मिलना चाहिए, तो कमेंट में लिखिए: “बदलाव जरूरी है” और इस वीडियो को कम से कम 3 लोगों के साथ शेयर करें। – कुमार विजय | काशी के कर्णधार “Kashi Ke Karndhar with Kumar Vijay” के इस विशेष एपिसोड में जानिए कैसे एक महिला समाजसेवी मुसहर समाज को 👉 मजदूर से मालिक बना रही हैं 👉 भीख और मजदूरी से निकालकर स्वाभिमान की राह दिखा रही हैं 👉 शिक्षा, रोजगार और आत्मनिर्भरता की लड़ाई लड़ रही हैं 👉 और दलित-वंचित समाज के लिए एक नई क्रांति की शुरुआत कर रही हैं यह वीडियो सिर्फ एक इंटरव्यू नहीं, बल्कि एक सामाजिक आंदोलन की सच्ची कहानी है। आप इस वीडियो में देखेंगे:

• मुसहर और नट समाज का वास्तविक जीवन
• जातिगत शोषण और गरीबी की सच्चाई
• कैसे एक महिला बदलाव की मशाल बन गई
• समाजसेवा की वह मिसाल जो सिस्टम को चुनौती दे रही है

Non-Violence and Justice: Empowering Marginalized Communities in South Asia

The Future of Social Justice Movements in South Asia: Dalit Voices and Beyond

South Asia Research Institute for Minorities

PODCAST: The Future of Social Justice Movements in South Asia: Dalit Voices and Beyond

Held on: Thursday, 29 September 2025

Guest Speaker:

Lenin Raghuvanshi

Dalit rights activist, political thinker, and social entrepreneur. He is one of the founding members of the People's Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR)

Moderator: Heman Das, Senior Research Associate, SARIM

#SARIMPodcast #FutureOfSocialJustice #DalitVoices #LeninRaghuvanshi #HumanRightsSouthAsia #PVCHR #InclusiveFutures

The Future of Social Justice Movements in South Asia: Dalit Voices and Beyond

South Asia Research Institute for Minorities

PODCAST: The Future of Social Justice Movements in South Asia: Dalit Voices and Beyond

Held on: Thursday, 29 September 2025

Guest Speaker:

Lenin Raghuvanshi

Dalit rights activist, political thinker, and social entrepreneur. He is one of the founding members of the People's Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR)

Moderator: Heman Das, Senior Research Associate, SARIM

#SARIMPodcast #FutureOfSocialJustice #DalitVoices #LeninRaghuvanshi #HumanRightsSouthAsia #PVCHR #InclusiveFutures