The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued notices to the governments of Odisha and Uttar Pradesh over the trafficking, illegal confinement, and repeated sexual assault of a 17-year-old tribal girl from Dhenkanal district, who was sold for ₹50,000 and subjected to abuse for nearly two years in Jhansi.

In an official communique, the Commission cited reports stating that the victim was lured to Uttar Pradesh along with three other girls on the pretext of employment. Upon arrival, the minor was allegedly confined to a house for nearly three months and repeatedly sexually assaulted. When she became pregnant, she was forced to undergo an abortion without her consent. She was subsequently sold to another individual and subjected to continuous sexual abuse by multiple perpetrators for close to two years before she managed to escape.

“The girl managed to escape with the help of a local advocate and approached the Jhansi police. Although her statement was recorded, no further action was allegedly taken by the police except for providing a train ticket to Odisha. Upon her return, the Odisha Police recorded her statement and an investigation is underway,” the communique stated.

Observing that the matter raised serious concerns regarding gross violations of human rights, the Commission issued notices to the Directors General of Police of Uttar Pradesh and Odisha, as well as the District Magistrate of Dhenkanal, seeking a detailed action-taken report within two weeks.

The NHRC has directed that the reports from state authorities must include the current status of the criminal investigation, steps being taken to trace the other missing girls, and immediate measures put in place for the relief and rehabilitation of the survivor.