New Delhi: National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued notices to the Chief Secretary and DGP, Uttar Pradesh after taking sou moto cognizance of media reports that due to the alleged inaction by the authorities on their complaint of sexual harassment, a mother-daughter duo from Amethi attempted self-immolation in front of the Lok Bhawan in Lucknow on July 17.
Reportedly, the mother with 90% burn injuries died and the daughter with 15% burns is undergoing treatment in the civil hospital.
NHRC has given 4-weeks time for a detailed report in the matter including action taken against the guilty and the action taken on the complaint reportedly lodged by the victims alleging sexual harassment by someone residing in their neighbourhood. NHRC has also asked officials to include the status of the medical treatment being provided to the injured woman, her health conditions and any relief given by the authorities to the injured and the aggrieved family.
In the official statement, NHRC said, "Commission has observed that the recourse taken by the victims cannot be justified but it indicates towards the reckless attitude of the authorities, who seemingly failed to take timely action on the complaint lodged by the victims levelling serious allegations of sexual harassment against one of their neighbours."
This is a serious issue of violation of human rights. Had timely action been initiated, the women may not have been forced to take such extreme steps, it added.
The family members of the victims have also alleged ill-treatment by police personnel and the doctors at the Civil Hospital when the son of the deceased woman visited her in the hospital. Reportedly, four persons including Amethi District AIMIM president and a local Congress party leader have been arrested by the police. It is also reported that the police or the local intelligence unit had no information that the women were going to Lucknow.
ALSO READ: Imran Khan govt under fire for providing Jadhav legal option against conviction
