The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has directed the Superintendent of Police , Baleswar, to pay compensation of Rs 2 lakh to a minor boy belonging to scheduled caste community, who sustained injuries in an attack in the year 2018.
Acting on a petition filed by civil liberty lawyer Radhakanta Tripathy, the NHRC sought a report from the SP along with proof of the payment.
Tripathy alleged that Sai Ranjan Sethi, a minor schedule caste boy, was attacked by miscreants on November 30, 2017. They used abusive language and committed atrocities against him. A written complaint was lodged by the victim in Khaira Police Station but no action was been taken against the wrong doers. No FIR was registered.The complainant requested to investigate the case and pay compensation under SC/ST Act to the victim.Pursuant to the notice of the NHRC, the SP, Baleswar informed that one FIR was registered on the incident and the case was under investigation. The delay in registration of the case is due to the initiation taken by local gentries to compromise the dispute. During investigation medical opinion was obtained in respect of injured Sai Ranjan Sethi, the SP told.
The same report was enclosed by Additional DGP Police HR PC Orissa Cuttack dated January 19, 2019.In his rejoinder, Tripathy informed the Commission that no compensation under SC/ST (POA) Act has been paid to the victim, nor the accused has been arrested and security has been provided to the victim and her family.
The NHRC has taken a serious note and issued a reminder to the SP Baleswar to complete the investigation on urgent basis and inform the outcome/ investigation of the case. The Commission also sought to know whether any interim compensation has been paid to the victim.
In response, the SP Baleswar submitted its report and stated that the accused was served with notice and joined the investigation.
After completion of investigation, charge sheet has been filed before the court. The report further revealed that the SDPO Nilagiri and Tehslidar, Khaira have made joint inquiry and opined that an amount of Rs 2 pakh be paid to the victim