NHRC Probes Woman’s Suicide Over Alleged Harassment in Hyderabad

New Delhi: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognisance of a media report regarding the suicide of a 25-year-old woman from Odisha, who allegedly faced sexual harassment in Hyderabad’s Raidurgam area. The incident occurred on November 27, 2024.

According to reports, the victim was brought to Hyderabad through middlemen for a surrogacy arrangement involving a Rs 10 lakh deal with her husband. She was housed in a separate flat, away from her husband, who stayed nearby with their four-year-old son.

The NHRC, expressing serious concern over the potential violation of the woman’s human rights, has issued notices to the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police (DGP) of Telangana. The commission has requested a detailed report, including the status of the FIR filed in the case, within two weeks. It has also sought information on whether there have been any complaints regarding harassment of women under the pretext of surrogacy in Telangana.

The media report, dated November 28, revealed that the victim contacted her husband on November 26, expressing distress and stating that she could no longer endure the harassment. She reportedly threatened to end her life if she remained in the flat.

The NHRC’s intervention aims to uncover the circumstances leading to the incident and address broader concerns surrounding the treatment of women involved in surrogacy arrangements. An investigation is currently underway.