Upset over the noncompliance of its order despite its repeated reminder, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has directed the Khordha Collector-cum-District Magistrate Niranjan Sahu for personal appearance before it on February 27 in New Delhi in connection with the death of a woman in a car due to road blockade at Vani Vihar Square in 2015.
Human Rights Watchdog secretary Sangita Swain had moved the NHRC alleging that one Suman Sharma, an entrepreneur, was driving alone from Acharya Vihar to Vani Vihar when she was stuck in the road blockade staged by Utkal University students in front of the university to protest against cancellation of students’ union election in 2015 and died.
“When some of the protesters attempted to rush towards her SUV, she tried to take a U-turn, and collapsed at the wheel. She was declared brought dead at the Capital Hospital,” the petitioner contended.
On March 9, last year, thought the commission called for a report from the district Collector but the latter did not comply with the order.
Following which the commission issued summon to the Collector to appear before the commission on February 27 personally.
However, the commission in its order said, “If the commission receives the requisite report on or before February 20, personal presence of the District Magistrate shall stand dispensed with.”