New Delhi: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognizance of media reports that a 13-year-old girl belonging to a scheduled caste was gang-raped and killed when she had gone to relieve herself on the farmland owned by one of the prime accused on the eve of Independence day. Reportedly the victim was tortured before strangled to death. Reports say that there is a toilet in the victim’s house but it’s not functional.
NHRC has issued notices to Uttar Pradesh Chief Secretary and state DGP, calling for detailed reports in the matter within six weeks including disbursement of the statutory relief as per rules framed under provisions of the SC/ST (POA) Act to the family of the victim, what action has been taken against the guilty and the status of the FIRs registered in the matter. NHRC has also asked the UP Chief Secretary to sensitize the district authorities.
The statement issued by NHRC reads, "It is expected from state to create awareness that the toilets should not be constructed for mere fulfilment of the government records, they are to be actually made functional."
NHRC has also forwarded a copy of the news to the Secretary, Union Ministry of Jal Shakti, which is the Nodal Ministry for the ‘Swachchh Bharat Abhiyan ' and have asked Ministry to issue guidelines to all the States and Union Territories to ensure that the toilets are not only constructed but also used to make the country clean and save the women from the heinous crimes committed by anti-social elements when they go out to relieve themselves.
According to the media reports, both the prime accused in the case have been arrested by the police. The Senior Superintendent of Police, Kheri has reportedly stated that the FIR has been registered under relevant sections of IPC and POCSO Act. Further, he added that the National Security Act will be slapped against the accused who were arrested.
