New Delhi, 24 April (H.S.): The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognizance of the alleged inhumane treatment meted out to a woman and her husband in Madhya Pradesh's Jhabua district.

A viral social media video showing villagers shaving the woman's head and parading her along with her husband on their shoulders has prompted the Commission to term it a grave human rights violation.

On Friday, the NHRC issued notices to the Jhabua District Magistrate (DM) and Superintendent of Police (SP), seeking a detailed report within two weeks. The Commission stated that if the media reports are accurate, the incident constitutes a serious breach of human dignity and fundamental rights.

According to a media report published on April 15, 2026, villagers on April 13, 2026, shaved the woman's head and publicly humiliated her and her husband by carrying them on their shoulders through the village. The villagers allegedly subjected her to this purported punishment claiming she had eloped from home.

The entire episode surfaced through a video that went viral on social media, following which the administration sprang into action. After the video gained traction, police traced the woman and provided her security.

An FIR has been registered against those involved, and some accused have been arrested. However, the NHRC clarified that merely filing an FIR is insufficient; ensuring justice and protection for the victim is equally essential.

The NHRC has instructed that the report include the current status of the investigation, actions taken against the accused, and complete details of any compensation provided to the victim.

The Commission indicated that further action will be taken upon receipt of the report.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar