The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Saturday (October 3, 2026) took cognisance of allegations that minors were involved in a Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)-led protest in Mumbai on Friday (October 2, 2026) and that their images were circulated online.
The complaints also cited purported group chats in which the participation of minors in the protest was allegedly planned, with some participants suggesting that their status as minors could prevent the police from detaining them. The police have also been asked to examine the other allegations made in the complaints. Stating that the allegations raised concerns over the dignity, safety, privacy and possible exploitation of children, a Bench headed by NHRC member Priyank Kanoongo directed the Mumbai Police to examine how the children came to be involved in the October 2 gathering and investigate the roles of organisers, coordinators, accompanying adults and others who may have facilitated their participation.
The commission said the material indicated that some persons described as minors were also part of these discussions and had allegedly agreed to participate.
