The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) took serious note of the failure of the Odisha Chief Secretary on May 8 in connection with a fake murder case where the woman, who was allegedly killed, found to be alive with her baby.
Considering the petition and subsequent submissions by civil rights lawyer Radhakanta Tripathy, the NHRC got the matter investigated by the CB-CID of Odisha.
The matter related to illegal detention of two innocent persons namely Sukhdev Naik and his brother-in-law Sudam Si in the judicial custody on the allegation of killing a woman lilli Naik, who happened to be the wife of accused Sukhdev Naik and sister of accused Sudam Si. But surprisingly it was found that lilli was alive.
Even then she was not allowed to stay with her husband and she was sent to a short stay home along with her baby. The incident was an outcome of grossly negligence of the Morada police in Mayurbhanj district.
After investigation, the delinquent police officer was arrested and. departmental proceedings as well as criminal trial have been initiated against him.
The commission also observed that the human rights of the victims Sukhdev and Sudam were grossly violated by the conduct of Morada police.
Accordingly the commission issued notice to the Chief Secretary under sections 18(a)(1) of PHR Act, 1993 recommending a compensation of Rs.50,000 to each of the victims. In response to the same a report dated 26.11.2016 was received from the Crime Branch SP along with a report dated 21.11.2016 wherein it was intimated that State police had no objection to the recommendation made by the commission.
In its latest proceeding, the NHRC observed “conditional summons be sent to the Chief Secretary, Government of Odisha to appear in person before the Commission on 8.5.2018 along with the required compliance and explain the non-compliance. In case the required report was received on or before 1/5/2018 the personal appearance should stand dispensed with.”
Since neither the report has been received nor the Chief Secretary remained present on May 8, the NHRC may issue bailable warrant under the provisions of Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993.
Sources say the State administration is working on a war footing to ensure compensation to the victims and withdrawal of the fake murder case against them just to avoid serious action by the NHRC.