New Delhi/Patna, September 3(HS): The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of India has taken suo motu cognizance of a shocking case of the rape and murder of a 10-year-old girl in the Maner area of Patna district, Bihar, reportedly committed by the caretaker of a local garden.

According to media reports, the tragic incident occurred on August 26, 2025, when the child, who had gone to collect firewood, was lured by the accused under the pretext of offering her a guava. He allegedly took her into a room inside the premises and committed the brutal assault before killing her. In a bid to cover up the crime, the perpetrator reportedly hanged the child’s body from a tree to make it appear as a case of suicide.

The victim’s family reported her missing on the same day, but the horrifying discovery was made only on August 28, 2025, when the girl’s body was found dangling from a tree in the waterlogged garden area.

The NHRC has observed that the reported facts, if accurate, raise issues of serious human rights violations, child safety, and gross negligence in law enforcement response. The Commission has, therefore, issued notices to the Director General of Police, Bihar and the District Magistrate, Patna, calling for a detailed report within two weeks. The Commission has also sought information regarding any compensation provided to the bereaved family.

The case has sparked outrage in the region, with residents and rights activists condemning the heinous crime as yet another instance highlighting the vulnerabilities faced by children, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas. Demands have been raised for swift police investigation, strict accountability, and immediate measures to safeguard minors against such predatory threats.

As Bihar authorities prepare their official response to the NHRC, the incident stands as a grim reminder of the urgent need to strengthen child protection mechanisms, community vigilance, and effective policing in the state.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar