The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)
has sought an Action-Taken Report (ATR) from the District Collector
and Superintendent of Police of Puri and the Secretary, Department of
Women & Child Development and Mission Shakti on the death of a
transgender at the Jagannath Temple on Sunday.
The NHRC passed the order acting on a petition filed by human rights
activist and Supreme Court lawyer Radhakanta Tripathy. The petition
stated that transgender Balaram Rout (36), a resident of Nimapara,
jumped from the gumuta of the shrine and died. The cause of death is
shrouded in mystery.
Tripathy alleged that there is no welfare board for transgenders as per a
Supreme Court judgment in the State, for which they are deprived of
many benefits.
Negligence of police and the temple administration resulted in the death
of a transgender for the first time in the history of the world-famous
temple amounting to serious violation of human rights.
Requesting the NHRC for an independent and impartial investigation of
the case, Tripathy has sought a direction from the NHRC for adequate
compensation to the family members of the deceased. The NHRC has
sought response from the authorities within four weeks.