This story is from October 11, 2020

NHRC summons Balasore SP over tardy probe in 2016 rape case

NHRC summons Balasore SP over tardy probe in 2016 rape case
National Human Rights Commission
BHUBANESWAR: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) expressed its displeasure over the slow pace of probe into the alleged sexual assault of a minor at Balasore’s Soro in 2016, and directed the SP (Balasore) to submit an up-to-date investigation report.
The commission also asked the Balasore Police to move an application before the concerned court under POCSO Rules, 2020, latest by October 15, regarding compensation for the girl.
The human rights panel asked the SP to pursue the application before the District Legal Service Authority, Balasore.
The NHRC was responding to a petition filed by an Odisha-based lawyer in 2016, which accused the district police of dragging their feet on the alleged sexual assault of the 11-year-old girl in Talanagar village under Soro police limits. The child had been rescued near an overbridge in a critical condition.
“The minor was not provided with proper treatment. No compensation and rehabilitation has been provided to the child,” the lawyer alleged.
In May 2019, the NHRC had asked the state DGP to constitute an SIT to investigate the case and submit a report. The Balasore Police had then submitted in its report that although the sketch of the accused had been prepared, they were unable to trace the culprit.
“The commission was astonished to note that the case is now more than four years old. Neither the investigation has been completed nor as compensation been paid to the victim,” the lawyer added.
A senior officer of Balasore Police said they had received the directive from the NHRC and would take steps in line with the order. “The detailed investigation report will be submitted to the commission. The compensation process for the victim will also be initiated as per the order,” the officer said.
End of Article
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA