The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has recently issued notice to the Puri Superintendent of Police (SP) and sought a report within four weeks over the authorities’ failure in taking measures to manage crowd during the Rath Yatra on July 18.The apex human rights panel passed the order while acting on a petition filed by SC lawyer and rights activist Radhakanta Tripathy. The petitioner said that on July 18, 2015 two women died and 20 others sustained injuries in a stampede that took place at two places along the Grand Road. “Deaths and injuries during Rath Yatra has been a common phenomenon due to lack of appropriate action from the Government agencies. Failure of the State Govt in controlling the crowd that resulted in the death and injury amounts to serious violation of human rights,” Tripathy alleged.
He requested the NHRC to investigate the case by its Special Rapporteur and direct the Chief Secretary and the DGP to immediately ensure free and appropriate medical treatment to the injured ones and seek payment proof of compensation `10 lakh to the dead and `3 lakh to the injured ones.