Odisha HRC seeks report on suicide of gang rape victim

Bhubaneswar Jan 25 (IANS) The Odisha Human Rights Commission (OHRC) on Thursday sought a report from the state government within 15 days over the suicide of a minor tribal girl in Koraput district who was allegedly gang raped by a group of security personnel last year.

Acting on a petition filed by social activists Nishikanta Mishra and Akhand the OHRC while expressing its concern over the incident has directed the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police (DGP) to submit the report within the stipulated period.

The petitioners alleged that the administration has failed to protect the life of a girl belonging to the marginalised sections of society.

The petitioners said that the directions given by this Commission regarding counselling and to take care of the victim by providing all necessary assistance were probably not implemented by the authorities.

A tribal girl of Sorisapadar village in Koraput district was allegedly gang raped by a group of security personnel on October 10 last year. She hanged herself at her house on January 22.

Following the incident the state units of Congress and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday observed a shutdown across the state holding the state government responsible for the suicide.

--IANS
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