TV
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Monday took suo motu cognizance of the Gopalpur gangrape case.
Acting swiftly, the Commission has filed a case and demanded detailed reports from the Odisha Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police (DGP) regarding the incident and the victim’s condition, within two weeks.
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According to sources, in a significant move, the NHRC has registered a case on its own in connection with the gangrape incident reported from Gopalpur Beach of Ganjam district. The Commission has issued a notice to the two State government officials (Chief Secretary and DGP), directing them to submit their comprehensive report within next two weeks.
The NHRC has specifically asked the Chief Secretary and the DGP of Odisha to furnish a status report about the ongoing investigation. Along with this, the Commission has also sought an update on the current health condition of the rape survivor.
Emphasising the seriousness of the case, NHRC has instructed that the status of the probe and all necessary medical and psychological support extended to the victim be clearly mentioned in the report.
The NHRC intervention comes amid growing public concern over an alleged ‘rise in crimes against women in the State’.
Meanwhile, the Director General (DG) of the Crime Branch expressed that substantial evidence has been found from CCTV footage and seized mobile phones. The evidence is ample enough to bring the accused to justice.
Seized mobile phones sent to SFSL
The anti-crime agency will make all efforts to help ensure stringent punishment to the wrongdoers, Crime Branch DG Vinaytosh Mishra said to mediapersons.
“Significant digital evidence has been found against the accused. Mobile phones of the 10 arrested have been seized and sent to the State Forensic Science Laboratory (SFSL). They will be taken on remand if necessary,” the Crime Branch DG stated.
