The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), in course of hearing a petition of sexual exploitation of a woman by a police official, has directed the Chief Secretary to pay compensation to the victim.
Angul-based Human Rights Watch had secretary Sangita Swain had on July 4 last year moved the commission alleging that wife of Sambhu Nath Sah, a resident of village Slumaria in Sambalpur district, was subjected to rape by Govindpur police station ASI Bhikari Charan Behera.
The commission took cognisance of the petition on July 30 and directed the Sambalpur SP to submit a report.
Pursuant to the direction of the commission, the Sambalpur SP on October 6 last year submitted his report informing that a case was registered against ASI Behera as prima facie evidence was established against him.
“The accused after the registration of the case had absconded to avoid police arrest. On 2.9.2015 the accused has surrendered before the Court. The case is under investigation. From the perusal of the papers available on record prima facie, it is clear case of outraging the modesty of a woman by the public servant ASI Bhikari Charan Behera. Thus, the victim is entitled for compensation,” the commission ruled in its latest order.
The commission directed the Chief Secretary to show cause as to why the victim Salini Sah be not recommended monetary compensation u/s18(a)(i) of the Protection of Human Rights Act 1993.
It directed the Chief Secretary to submit a report within six weeks and also asked the Sambulpur SP to submit outcome of investigation within six weeks.