The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued notices to the District Collectors of Hyderabad and Medchal-Malkajgiri, on September 22, directing them to appear before the Commission in connection with the death of Jahnavi, a 14-year-old specially abled minor who died in 2021 while under institutional care in Telangana. The latest action follows the LRPF’s representations to the NHRC, the Commission’s earlier directions seeking Action Taken Reports (ATRs) from the two districts, and subsequent reminders over their non-submission.
Death of Jahnavi and CWC complaint
Jahnavi was initially staying at the MV Foundation facility, a social organisation, in Hyderabad. On March 17, 2021, she was formally shifted by the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) to the Home for Disabled at Jeera, Secunderabad.
On the morning of June 7, 2021, information was received at CWC that a minor girl Jahnavi died under suspicious circumstances. Upon knowing the information, the then CWC Chairperson G. Shailaja, accompanied by another CWC member, rushed to the Home for Disabled at Jeera, Bansilalpet, Secunderabad.
However, the minor was not there, despite the CWC records showing that she had been placed at the facility.
Upon local enquiry, it came to know that the minor girl died at another facility linked to Home for Disabled at Somonbolle village under Shamirpet Police station limits, which is 23 kms away from Secunderabad.
According to the details of the complaint, the subsequent police investigation revealed that Jahnavi had died at another location — the organisation’s facility in Shamirpet. Following her death, her body was to Bhoiguda, Secunderabad, without informing the CWC or police authorities.
Following the death early in the morning of June 7, the dead body of the girl was allegedly shifted to Bhoiguda Christian cemetary in Secunderabad. The complaint further raised questions regarding the manner in which the body was disposed of, including the fact that it was cremated rather than buried.
Following the complaint, Gandhinagar Police Station registered Zero FIR No. 01/2021 on June 7, 2021, under Section 176(1)(A) of the Cr.P.C. The case was subsequently transferred to Shamirpet Police Station under the Cyberabad Police Commissionerate for further investigation.
LRPF Follow Up
Citing the lack of progress, the Hyderabad-based Legal Rights Protection Forum (LRPF) approached the NHRC on February 4, 2026, over the suspicious death of the Jahnavi under institutional care, alleging child rights violations, custodial negligence and destruction of evidence.
On February 16, 2026, the NHRC took cognisance and directed the Hyderabad and Medchal-Malkajgiri District Magistrates to submit ATRs within two weeks.
After non-compliance, the NHRC issued a reminder on March 25, 2026, warning of possible action under Section 13. LRPF followed up on May 6 and August 8, 2026, stating that the ATR status remained unknown.
On September 22, 2026, the NHRC directed the two District Collectors to appear with their ATRs.
About ‘Home for Disabled’ and links with Archdiocese of Hyderabad
Apart from the mysterious death of the minor girl, the NGO named ‘Home for Disabled’ has a wider network in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. The Archdiocese of Hyderabad states that the Sisters of St. Ann of Providence have been associated with the Home since 1934.
The Home for Disabled organisation’s website identifies Fr. M. Xavier, SVD, a priest of the Society of the Divine Word, as its Secretary and Executive Director. The Archdiocese of Hyderabad also records that the Little Sisters of Jesus Christ have been working with the Home for Disabled Sampenbolle Extension Unit since 2013.
Initially, Jahnavi was staying at the MV Foundation in Hyderabad, founded by Ramon Magsaysay Awardee Prof. Shanta Sinha, former Chairperson of the NCPCR (2007–2013) and Professor (Retd.) of Political Science at the University of Hyderabad.
Active FCRA license
Home for the Disabled is a registered society under Registration No. 197-42, dating back to 1942, and registered under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act.
As per LRPF, the Home for Disabled has an active FCRA registration bearing No. 010230015, which was renewed in 2022 and remains valid until 2027.
LRPF Seeks Independent Investigation
The LRPF approached the NHRC seeking intervention in the matter and requested the Telangana Government to order an independent investigation or a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into the circumstances surrounding the girl’s death and the events preceding and following it.
Speaking to Organiser, LRPF secretary, AS Santosh said, the death of minor and delay in action from respectable government authorities is a concern. Moroever, the lack of government run homes for disabled is a serious. We have only reported issue of Jahnavi, and there could be many unreported deaths or serious issues. It appears to be serious violation of Child rights and raises doubts on foreign funded organisations accountability on such issues. The lack of accountability and transperancy in these organisations and low monitoring is a serious threat to society where vulnerable girls like Jahnavi lost their lives in mysterious conditions and the silence of government indicates large suspicious underground activities happening under the guise of charity by NGOs particularly linked to Church Missionaries.
