Expressing deep concern over the Bhadrak district administration’s negligence in ensuring help to a destitute woman, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has summoned the Bhadrak Collector to appear before it personally on December 16.
The commission has also asked the Collector to submit a detailed report elaborating steps taken by the district authorities in addressing the plight of destitute woman Gouramani Swain, who had also prayed local MlA and present Revenue Minister Bijayashree Routray by holding his legs for help in the presence of local PRI members.
Acting on a petition filed by rights activist Radhakanta Tripathy, the NHRC had earlier issued notice to the Bhadrak Collector to reply within four weeks over the plight of Gouramani Swain, a shelterless destitute old lady of Eram, the place famous for martyrdom during Indian freedom struggle. However till date the Collector failed to submit report over the issue.
In its latest order the apex human watchdog has observed that, “Despite sufficient time and opportunity having been given, the requisite report has not been received. In these circumstances, let summons be issued for the personal appearance of District Magistrate, Bhadrak before the Commission on 16.12.2014 at 11.00 am along with the requisite report. In case the report is received on or before 9.12.2014 the personal appearance of the District Magistrate shall stand dispensed with.”