NHRC seeks report from Telangana DGP on woman’s death in Raidurgam

Hyderabad: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India, on November 29, 2024, took suo motu cognizance of a media report regarding the death of a woman in the Raidurgam area of Hyderabad, Telangana. The 25-year-old victim, a woman from Odisha, reportedly passed away on November 27, 2024, after alleging sexual harassment by a man.

The woman had reportedly been brought to the city through middlemen for a surrogacy arrangement, with a promise of Rs 10 lakh, along with her husband. However, she was made to stay in a separate flat away from her husband during the process.

According to the report, the woman had expressed to her husband in a phone call on November 26, 2024, that she did not want to remain in the city any longer and was contemplating ending her life due to harassment by the man. The victim’s husband was staying nearby with their four-year-old son.

The NHRC has observed that, if the allegations are true, this incident raises serious concerns regarding the violation of the woman’s human rights. In response, the Commission has issued notices to the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police, Telangana, requesting a detailed report on the matter, including the status of the FIR registered. They have been asked to submit their response within two weeks.

The NHRC has also sought information from the police authorities regarding any previous complaints related to the harassment of women in connection with surrogacy in the state.