NHRC Slams Brakes on Digvijaya Singh’s Yatra: Notice Issued Over Alleged Use of Paid Children
NHRC probes allegations that children were paid to join Digvijaya Singh's yatra and chant political slogans. MP govt must report in 15 days.
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has stepped in to investigate serious allegations regarding the conduct of a political march led by former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister and Congress leader Digvijaya Singh. The commission has issued a formal notice to the Madhya Pradesh government after receiving complaints that children were being paid to participate in the yatra and were coerced into shouting objectionable political slogans.
The Core Allegations: Money and Manipulation
The controversy centers on claims that the crowd size of the march was artificially inflated through the exploitation of minors. According to NHRC Member Priyank Kanoongo, the commission received a complaint suggesting that children were recruited through specific arrangements, which likely involved monetary payments to ensure their presence in the procession.
Beyond just their presence, the complaint raises a more alarming point: the alleged indoctrination of these children. It is claimed that the minors were not merely spectators but were actively made to chant political slogans that were deemed objectionable.
NHRC Demands Urgent Action
Taking a stern view of the matter, the NHRC has not left the investigation to chance. The commission has directly contacted the highest administrative and police authorities in the state to ensure a thorough probe.
- Chief Secretary of Madhya Pradesh: Directed to investigate the administrative lapses and the validity of the claims.
- Director General of Police (DGP): Tasked with conducting a proper police investigation into the recruitment of children for the march.
The NHRC has set a strict deadline, granting the state authorities 15 days to submit a detailed Action Taken Report (ATR) explaining the findings of their investigation.
Digital Trail Under Scrutiny
The investigation is not limited to the ground events. Recognizing the role of social media in today's political landscape, the NHRC has also involved the central government. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has been asked to investigate the online circulation of photographs and videos that allegedly show children participating in the march.
"We have received a complaint alleging that Digvijaya Singh has initiated a march and has been exploiting children to increase the size of the crowds participating in it," stated NHRC Member Priyank Kanoongo.
The commission's move highlights the gravity of involving minors in political activities, especially when allegations of financial incentives and the use of objectionable language are involved.