The two-member Inquiry Committee of the National Commission for Women (NCW) probing the woman teacher Itishree Pradhan burning case has issued a notice to the State Government to file an affidavit detailing the contents of the victim’s ‘Dying Declaration’ within seven days.
A Press release issued by the committee said the Government had sent a letter to the committee with its own opinion on the dying declaration which the committee refused to accept. “The dying declaration of a victim pertaining to the cause of her own death assumes critical importance in any investigation as it is accepted as standalone evidence in court under Section 32(1) of Indian Evidence Act. Hence, we have asked the State Government to file an affidavit on the matter,” said NCW member Manasi Pradhan.
Earlier, while deposing before the Inquiry Committee here, the Director General of Police had been asked to file a fresh FIR basing on the victim’s dying declaration as required under law and as exemplified in several cases before the Supreme Court.
The committee also expressed its extreme displeasure over the failure of the police to arrest the main accused. “It is extremely unfortunate that the State Government failed to nab the main culprit even after over one month,” said NCW member Hemlata Kheria.
“We had asked the DGP to form special teams to nab the culprits. But it is extremely surprising that even after one month, the police have failed to issue a sketch of the main culprit,” Pradhan said.
The Inquiry Committee would seek a detailed report on action taken by the State authorities on Monday and is expected to submit its inquiry report within a week.
The Inquiry Committee returned to Delhi after a seven-day visit to the State. Almost all concerned authorities, including the Chief Secretary, the DGP, the School and Mass Education Secretary and the Rayagada Collector and SP were asked to appear before the committee for questioning and the statements of all witnesses have been recorded, said the release.