The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has rejected the State Government’s report on starvation death in the Brahmagiri area of Puri district and directed the district administration to initiate action against guilty officials.
The direction came after a complaint was filed by rights activist Akhand last year, alleging that one Sagar Gochhayat (57) of Khandualpu village in Brahmagiri block on October 8 last year had died due to starvation. His wife Simula is also allegedly 'waiting to die' in the same manner as she has been deprived of BPl ration card, old age pension and other benefits which they were entitled to.
The death has been caused by the callousness of the district administration, which did not take any action, Akhand had alleged.Acting on the notices issued by NHRC, the Puri Collector in September this year had submitted report informing the commission that the victim was suffering from paralysis for about one month prior to his death. He was given benefits of Indira Awas Yojana (IAY) during 1998-99 and he availed rice under Antyodaya Anna Yojana.
While no information was given in the report about the wife of the deceased, it was also silent on various aspects like medical treatment of deceased Gochhayat and widow pension to his wife.
“The grant of house under IAY or providing rice under Antyodaya Anna Yojana indicates that the victim was poor. The records of medical treatment of the deceased have not been placed on record. Consequently, the report does not inspire confidence," the commission observed.
It directed Puri Collector to submit a detailed report in the matter within four weeks.“Appropriate action should be initiated against the delinquent officer, if any, in the matter," NHRC ruled.