The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has directed the Odisha DGP and Chief Secretary to look into the case of compensation for a rape victim afresh as per the Odisha Victim Compensation Scheme and sought a report on detailed steps taken by the State Government to check, control and prevent the spread of crime against the women within six weeks. The order of the apex human rights watchdog was passed on June 29, while adjudicating a petition filed by rights lawyer Radhakanta Tripathy. Tripathy alleged that on August 9, 2017 Adma Madkami raped a tribal woman on roadside near MV-84 Village in Malkangiri district. The incident came to light after video of the same went viral in social media.
The tribal woman was returning from market and fell unconscious on the roadside and Madkami committed the crime in full public glare. No compensation has been paid to the victim nor psycho-social counselling provided to her and the video of the heinous act has not been stopped by the Government machinery from spreading in social media. Due to failure and inaction of the Government machinery the crimes against women are rising, Tripathy slammed. Pursuant to the direction of the NHRC, the Superintendent of Police, Malkanagiri Collector had earlier informed to the NHRC that two cases have been registered against the accused persons for rape and another for recording and making the video viral in social media, pending trial in the court.
The report further indicates that the provisions of SC/ST (PoA) Act were not invoked in the case as both the victim and the accused person belong to ST category. No compensation till date has been paid to the victim.