Synopsis
The NHRC has taken immediate action regarding the reported sexual abuse of a Scheduled Caste girl in Kerala, demanding a comprehensive report from the state government amid significant public concern and allegations of human rights violations involving 59 suspects.Key Takeaways
- NHRC has initiated suo motu proceedings.
- 59 suspects named in 30 FIRs.
- Two accused have fled the country.
- Report requested on victim's health and care.
- Human rights violations raised in media reports.
New Delhi, Jan 20 (NationPress) The NHRC has initiated suo motu cognizance regarding the alleged sexual assault of a girl from the Scheduled Caste in Kerala, leading to the arrest of 44 individuals. The Commission has requested a report from the state government within two weeks, as stated by an official on Monday.
Currently, 59 individuals have been identified in 30 FIRs connected to this incident in Pathanamthitta district.
Among the accused, two have reportedly fled the country, while 13 others remain at large.
The Commission has expressed that the details reported in the media, if accurate, indicate a serious violation of the victim's human rights.
Notices have been issued to Kerala's Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police, requesting a comprehensive report on the situation.
The NHRC has asked for information regarding the status of the FIR, the victim's health, and any medical assistance, counseling, or compensation provided to her within the reported incident over the next two weeks.
According to media reports from January 15, the now 18-year-old girl alleged in her complaint that she had been sexually assaulted by multiple individuals.
This matter surfaced during counseling sessions led by the Child Welfare Committee, after her teachers noted significant behavioral changes in her.
Earlier this month, the NHRC also responded to a case in Karnataka, where a 72-year-old man tragically took his life on December 25 after a public hospital in Bengaluru refused him treatment under the Ayushman Bharat scheme.
As per reports, the Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology did not grant him the Rs 5 lakh coverage under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY), citing a lack of state government orders.
The Commission noted that the media reports, if true, highlight significant human rights violations, mentioning several other cases related to challenges faced by beneficiaries of the AB PM-JAY scheme for senior citizens.
In response, the NHRC has issued notices to the Secretary of the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the Chief Secretary of Karnataka, demanding a detailed report on these issues.
