NHRC Issues Notice to Delhi Police Commissioner in Omar Rashid Allegations Case

New Delhi- The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued a notice to Delhi Police Commissioner Sanjay Arora, directing a probe into the serious allegations of sexual, physical, and mental abuse made by an unnamed woman against Omar Rashid, an independent journalist associated with The Wire. The notice, dated May 23, follows a viral Instagram post by the woman, who accused Rashid of rape, severe physical assault, and deliberate humiliation of her Hindu identity by forcing her to consume beef.

The NHRC, under the bench of Member Priyank Kanoongo, has taken cognizance of the matter under Section 12 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993. The commission has asked the Delhi Police to submit an Action Taken Report (ATR) by June 5, addressing key aspects of the case. The police are directed to identify the victim while respecting her privacy, ensure her safety, and provide counseling and emotional support given the severe trauma she allegedly endured.

The notice raises critical questions for the investigation. It seeks to determine whether The Wire filed a police complaint regarding the allegations and, if so, the date of the complaint and subsequent police actions. It specifically asks whether authorities were informed about the allegations of rape and severe physical assault detailed in the victim’s social media posts. Additionally, the NHRC has directed the police to investigate whether The Wire initiated a formal investigation under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 (PoSH Act). If such an investigation has begun, the police must report its status and the composition of the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) handling the matter.

The complainant expressed concerns about The Wire’s internal inquiry, alleging it may lack impartiality due to potential conflicts of interest and a possible intent to shield the organization’s image. The Wire had previously issued a statement on May 21, acknowledging the allegations and confirming that an internal inquiry was underway, but no further updates have been provided.

The allegations against Rashid include manipulating the victim into a relationship by portraying himself as a progressive, empathetic journalist, exploiting her sympathy with claims of personal loss, and subjecting her to repeated forced sex—often without protection—leading to forced impregnations and abortions. The victim also alleged brutal beatings and humiliation, including being recorded in distress and coerced into consuming beef as a “test of secularism.”