NHRC takes suo motu cognizance of girl’s rape in UP

Bhubaneswar: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Wednesday took suo motu notice of media reports alleging that a 17-year-old tribal girl from Dhenkanal district was trafficked to Jhansi in Uttar Pradesh, sold, and repeatedly sexually assaulted for nearly two years.According to the report, the girl and three others were taken to Uttar Pradesh after being promised jobs. An Odia man allegedly sold her to a Jhansi resident, Asish Yadav. The girl was allegedly raped multiple times by Yadav and his father. After she became pregnant, the pregnancy was terminated. She was then reportedly confined for several days before being sold again to Chandrapal Kushwah of a nearby area for Rs 50,000.The report further alleges that Kushwah, along with his elder brother and uncles, sexually assaulted her and threatened her when she tried to flee. The girl later escaped with the help of a local lawyer, who took her to the Jhansi district headquarters.NHRC sources said her statement was recorded in Jhansi but alleged that no further police action followed apart from arranging a train ticket for her to Odisha. After returning on May 22, Odisha police recorded her statement and started a probe.The commission has issued notices to the directors general of police of Odisha and Uttar Pradesh, as well as the Dhenkanal district magistrate, seeking a detailed report within two weeks. The report is to include the progress of the investigation and measures taken for the victim’s relief and rehabilitation.Dhenkanal police said the girl filed a complaint on May 23. Police officer Jitendra Mallick said a case was registered immediately, her statement was recorded, and a full investigation was initiated, including a team visit to Jhansi to examine the allegations.