NHRC Closes Case Against Journalist Omar Rashid As Delhi Police Drops Investigation Into Anonymous Social Media Rape Allegations

Following an inquiry lasting over 300 days, the National Human Rights Commission closed its case against journalist Omar Rashid after the Delhi police found no grounds to proceed with the investigation into the anonymous social allegations levelled against him last year.

The case, initiated in May 2025 by an NHRC bench led by Priyank Kanoongo, centered on anonymous social media posts accusing Rashid of grave offences, including alleged rape and "force-feeding beef". However, the police investigation concluded there was no action needed in the matter.

One Tanmay N., the convenor of the 'Sahyadri Rights Forum', approached the NHRC, seeking an investigation against the journalist on the basis of anonymous social media allegations.

Following that, the NHRC had registered a case, which named both Omar Rashid and news portal The Wire(where Omar Rashid was working then), on May 23, 2025 and directed the Delhi Police Commissioner to investigate the allegations.

On October 6, 2025, the Delhi Police Commissioner submitted a report before the NHRC, stating that no further action was required in the matter, as the victim refused to disclose her identity and address, and expressed no interest to pursue the matter.

Meanwhile, Omar Rashid approached the Delhi High Court, seeking an expeditious disposal of the case before the NHRC. On November 7, 2025, the Higih Court disposed of Rashid's petition, asking teh NHRC to dispose of the matter within six weeks.

Thereafter, the Commission took up the matter on January 21, 2026. An opportuninty was given to the complainant (Tanmay N) to give his response to the Delhi Police report. The copy of the report was furnished to Omar Rashid as well.

However, the NHRC in its proceedings on March 13, 2026 stated that upon perusal of the case records, it was observed that no response has been received from the complainant with regard to the ATR.

The NHRC concluded that no further intervention was needed in the matter. “In view of the above facts and circumstances, the Commission is of the opinion that no further intervention is warranted in the matter. The case is closed,” the NHRC said in its final order.