The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued a notice to the Principal Secretary, Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, Odisha, for the failure and negligence in the case of a differently abled minor girl being raped in Baripada Jagannath temple.
Acting on the case filed by Supreme Court lawyer and rights activist Radhakanta Tripathy, the NHRC sought the reply within four weeks.
On Mar 31, a physically challenged minor girl was allegedly raped by a youth inside the premises of lord Jagannath temple at Baripada area in Mayurbhanj. The incident took place when the victim girl went inside the temple for 'Darshan' of the lord. There is no safety and security of minor girls at public places, let alone the handicapped.
Psycho-social counseling and compensation as per law has not been paid to the victim nor has she been ensured the benefits of social welfare schemes, the petitioner said.
He requested the NHRC to investigate the case, direct the DGP, and the Secretary, Social Justice and Empowerment Department, Odisha, to act against the errant officials immediately as per law and pay a compensation of Rs 10 lakh to the victim and rehabilitate her.