Machhli family case takes new turn after NHRC steps in:Commission questions police probe, signals tighter scrutiny as serious charges emerge

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has now entered the high-profile Machhli Family case in the capital, further intensifying the matter. Priyank Kanoongo, a member of the commission, expressed dissatisfaction with the Bhopal Police’s actions so far and made strong remarks. Kanoongo clearly stated that the actions taken by the police in cases related to Yasin Ahmed alias Yasin Machhli and his family do not seem satisfactory to him. He conveyed a message to the Bhopal Police, stating that he is fully aware of all the information related to this entire incident that the police possess and that has been presented in court. He warned in a stern tone that when he initiates formal action in this matter, such action will be taken against the concerned officers that will set an example. Now, with the NHRC’s strictness, this case has reached a new turning point. It is believed that in the coming days, the commission’s scrutiny over both police investigation and action could become even stricter. Actually, in July 2025, Bhopal police arrested Yasin Machhli and his uncle Shahwar Machhli from Link Road No. 2. MD drugs, a pistol, and objectionable videos on a mobile phone were recovered from them. During the investigation, serious allegations such as drug trafficking, sexual exploitation, blackmail, and encroachment on government land came to light. Police registered 13 FIRs against family members within a week, while the administration also freed government land worth approximately 100 crore rupees. Meanwhile, recently, the Crime Branch has also interrogated Shariq Machhli and other family members in high-profile cases. Efforts to raise awareness through ‘Project Sankalp’
Additionally, regarding love jihad, Priyank Kanungo said that considering the increasing communal and gender crimes in Bhopal, ‘Project Sankalp’ was launched as a special initiative. He informed that this project has been operating for the past eight months with the cooperation of social organisations, and its positive results have started to emerge.
According to Kanungo, under this project, approximately 7000 college-going female students and 1000 faculty members have been made aware of the methods of sexual crimes occurring through communal gender crime, grooming, and ragging. Victim filed FIR, publicly protested against the accused
Sharing an example, he/she said that when such an incident happened with a student associated with the project, she not only filed an FIR at the police station but also publicly protested against the accused. Kanungo said that such courage is a sign of change in society. Big change will be visible in 3-4 years
He expressed hope that the impact of such corrective measures would be clearly visible in the next 3 to 4 years. Kanungo said that an entire generation needs to be made aware and continuous efforts can reduce such crimes. Strong objection to the name Iqbal Maidan
Priyank Kanungo once again strongly objected to the name of Iqbal Maidan in Bhopal. He said it is wrong for a ground in Bhopal to be named after a person who promoted the idea of the country’s partition. Kanungo said that such names should have no place here and it is necessary to change it. Questions also raised on ‘Iqbal Samman’
He also raised questions about awards like ‘Iqbal Samman’, saying that it is not appropriate to give an award in such a name. According to Kanungo, honouring someone in the name of a person whose ideology was associated with the partition of the country is actually tantamount to insult. He indicated that further steps would be taken. Iqbal visited Bhopal four times According to historical reports, the poet Allama Iqbal visited Bhopal four times and spent approximately six months here, during which he composed his famous poetry. In his memory, there is Iqbal Maidan in Bhopal, where his poetry is inscribed on the walls. This ground reminds one of the era of the Nawabs and was once a centre for cultural activities.