Barabanki case: NHRC notices to CS, DGP

With family members and Opposition Parties already demanding a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued notices to chief Secretary and Director General of Police, after taking suo motu cognizance of media reports of two policemen setting ablaze the mother of a journalist at Kothi Police Station in Barabanki on July 6 last. The officers have been given four weeks time to send a detail report in the matter to NHRC.

Terming the news reports as disturbing, the Commission through an official communiqué claimed to have observed that at a time when efforts are being made by the whole nation to minimize crime against women, the incident amounts to ‘protectors turning to predators’. It appears to be an admitted violation of the human rights of the victim by the public servants, the release said.

The middle-aged woman was allegedly set on fire after she refused to pay bribe to the police station in-charge and sub-inspector for the release of her husband who had been detained by the police. She succumbed to her injuries the next day. Reportedly, an FIR was registered against the two and they were placed under suspension, the release added.