The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has asked the Puri Superintendent of Police to submit proof of payment made to family members of the persons who died in a stampede during Rath Yatra at Puri last year.
The NHRC has issued this direction acting on a petition filed by rights activist and lawyer Radhakanta Tripathy in this regard.
It had been alleged that two women had died and 20 others injured in a stampede took place on the Grand Road in Puri on July 18, 2015. Similarly, there was an allegation that a man had died in Brahmapur during pulling of chariots on the day.
In his petition, Tripathy had requested the commission to investigate the case by a Special Rapporteur and direct the Chief Secretary and the DG of Police to ensure free medical treatment to the injured ones and direct them to take all precautionary measures to stop such incidents in future.
In his reply, the SP had informed that no death occurred as a result of stampede in Puri.
However, the SJTA had declared to pay `5 lakh each and the payment was to be made by the New India Assurance Company. The NHRC has directed the SP to expedite the matter and send the proof of payment within six months.