Bhubaneswar: The Odisha State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (OSCPCR) on Thursday asked the Commissionerate Police to submit an 'action taken' report on the alleged gang rape case in the Capital city.
The head of the commission, Sandhyabati Pradhan has also directed police to arrest the accused immediately. Besides, she has directed the cops to initiate action against officials of OTV for allegedly trying to suppress the incident. A notice has been served to the organisation, Commissionerate Police and Khordha Collector.
"On the basis of the complaint filed by the woman, I have issued notices and directed police for an inquiry," said Pradhan.
It is worth mentioning here that after the complainant had approached the authorities of OTV in connection with the matter, the organisation's internal committee head had suggested her to lodge a police complaint. However, she remained unresponsive and, later, it was found that she tried to blackmail the authorities of the organisation for pecuniary gains. The channel has submitted all the relevant details and evidence to the police.
Besides, a couple of months ago, the HR department of OTV had earlier lodged a complaint against the woman in the local police station.
Nevertheless, the unusual alacrity shown by the OSCPCR has raised many eyebrows, raising suspicion about possible political pressure on the commission.
Meanwhile, Uma Shankar Das, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Bhubaneswar said, "We have taken the matter seriously and formed a team which is collecting all the facts and evidence. We have also examined the complainant and the minor girl. The investigation process is underway. We will examine every one before arriving at any conclusion."
"A commission is a fact-finding body and it doesn't have the power to impose any kind of punishment. They can only recommend for initiation of legal action. In the notice, the commission has directed to take stringent action against the culprit which I think doesn't come under its purview. So, it is without jurisdiction. I think she (the commission head) has transgressed her limit to pass such an order, said senior lawyer, Sourya Sundar Das.
Women rights activist, Jayashree Mohapatra said, "As per law, a person is innocent till the crime is not proved against him/her. I think, she (Sandhyabati) doesn't know who is termed as a culprit and misused the word in the notice. When the person who is not the investigating authority, how can he/she take action against the accused."