The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued a final reminder to the Commissioner of Police (CP), Bhubaneswar, who shall submit the requisite current status report in the case of the mysterious death of motivational speaker Aditya Das within eight weeks.
The NHRC has warned that in case the report is not submitted in time, itwould be constrained to issue a coercive process U/S 13 of PHR Act,1993. Requesting to unearth the mystery over the death, Supreme Court lawyer and rights activist Radhakanta Tripathy has sought intervention of the NHRC.
Earlier, the NHRC had directed the Superintendent of Police, CB-CID, to complete the investigation expeditiously and forward the status reportwithin four weeks. Despite the same, the requisite current status report has not beensubmitted yet. However, taking lenient view on account of preoccupation of the Government machinery in the management of Covid-19 pandemic second wave, the commission has granted another opportunity to the CP. It may be noted that first, the Government Railway Police (GRP) had registered a murder case in the issue. After the notice of the NHRC, the Director General of Police chose to hand over the matter to the CB-CID for investigation.
The circumstantial evidence shrouds mystery over the death. As Aditya Das’ wife and friends are engaged in mudslinging, the cloak of mystery is yet to be lifted from the death of the social worker, who was receiving threats from criminals as he launched an anti-liquor agitation. The delay in arresting the culprits, exposing the truth and uncovering the mystery over the death are a serious question of human rights as it involves role of police, intelligence and law and order of the State, petitioner Tripathy contended.Failure of the State in implementing the provisions of Whistle Blowers Protection Act, 2013 in the State amounts to serious human rights violation, Tripathy alleged.
He has requested the NHRC to uncover the mystery behind the death, ensure safety and security to all the whistle blowers, including activists and journalists.Besides, he has requested the NHRC to direct the State authorities and the Lokayukta to ensure implementation of the Whistle Blowers Protection Act, 2013 in letter and spirit at the earliest. The report is expected to be submitted latest by July 23.