The National Commission for Women (NCW) on Monday took suo motu cognisance of media reports on the alleged sexual exploitation and rape of a woman and her minor daughter by their landlord in Gujarat’s Morbi district.
NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar has written to the Gujarat Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police, seeking immediate, impartial and time-bound action in the case. The Commission has also sought a detailed Action Taken Report (ATR) within seven days.
In a statement posted on social media platform X, the Commission described the allegations as “extremely serious”. It said media reports alleged that the landlord sexually exploited the woman and her minor daughter over a prolonged period because they were unable to pay rent.
The NCW said such “inhuman exploitation” of women and children was unacceptable and called for strict action against those responsible.
The Commission sought details of the sections invoked in the FIR and the action taken under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
It also sought details on the arrest of the accused, the status of the investigation, medical and forensic examination of the survivors, and the counselling, legal aid, security, rehabilitation and compensation being provided to them.
The NCW further directed officials to examine whether any other person had helped or shielded the accused. It also asked authorities to take preventive steps to curb the exploitation of economically vulnerable women and children.
