The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued a show cause notice on April 30, 2026, to top Andhra Pradesh officials, including the Chief Secretary, Principal Secretary (School Education), Annamayya District Collector, and Superintendent of Police, over serious lapses in a POCSO case involving minor students.
The action follows a complaint filed by the Legal Rights Protection Forum (LRPF), which led to the Commission taking up the matter for consideration.
The case relates to allegations against a government school teacher, Zakir Basha Shaik, accused of sexually abusing nearly 30 minor girl students at a ZP High School in Gurramkonda Mandal, Annamayya district. An FIR was registered on February 6, 2026, under the POCSO Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
LEGAL RIGHTS PROTECTION FORUM COMPLAINT TRIGGERS ACTION: SYSTEMIC FAILURE EXPOSED — NHRC Issues Show Cause Notice to Andhra Pradesh Chief Secretary, Principal Secretary (Education), Annamayya District Collector and Superintendent of Police in POCSO Case — Multiple Minor Victims… https://t.co/PvafkzQCos pic.twitter.com/dNZoeHNyeE
— Legal Rights Protection Forum (@lawinforce) May 1, 2026
The NHRC noted that reports submitted by the School Education Department on February 26, 2026, and by the Superintendent of Police, Annamayya, on February 23, 2026, confirmed that 11 victims have been identified and their statements recorded, while several others remain untraced.
The Commission observed that although the accused was arrested, produced before a court, and later released on bond, and subsequently suspended from service, major concerns remain unresolved. It flagged the delay in reporting the abuse, noting that the incidents had allegedly continued for a considerable period before the FIR was filed.
The NHRC criticised school authorities for failing to fulfil their mandatory duty under Section 19 of the POCSO Act to report such offences, stating that absence of complaints from victims cannot justify non-reporting.
The Commission also expressed concern over the safety of victims, particularly with the accused out on bond, and stressed the need for continuous protection against intimidation. It directed that all victims must receive immediate medical, psychological, and financial support, including compensation under the state scheme.
A show cause notice has been issued to the Chief Secretary, directing the state to respond within four weeks from receipt of the notice, explaining why compensation should not be granted to each victim for violation of their fundamental rights.
Additionally, the Superintendent of Police has been asked to submit an updated action taken report within four weeks, including progress in the investigation, identification of remaining victims, and safeguards against intimidation.
The School Education Department has also been directed to report on departmental action and measures to ensure counselling and safe continuation of education for affected students.
