Post News Network
Kendrapara, Feb 5: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Wednesday issued notices to Chief Secretary, DGP and SP of Mayurbhanj over torture and harassment of Lili Naik and custodial torture of her husband and brother by the state police. Acting on a petition by lawyer and rights activist Radhakanta Tripathy, the NHRC has sought replies from these officers within two weeks.
In a careless investigation by the police, Lili was declared dead by Morada police in Mayurbhanj district in 2012 after she went missing. Police arrested Sukadev and Sudam May 23, 2012 for allegedly killing Lili May 11. Both were forced to confess to a crime that never happened.
They were released on bail after four-and-a-half months. As the trial was running, Lili suddenly appeared before the ADJ at Baripada September 3 last year.
Lili was forced to stay in a short stay home with her baby for no fault of hers. She could not record her statement as the judge was on leave. “The violation of human rights and negligence of the state authorities to provide justice to the woman has brought disrepute to the image of the nation,” the petitioner said. She also pointed out that though local and English media reported the
matter, the authorities at the district level did not report the same to the
department concerned.
The question is whose body the police recovered claiming it was of Lili Naik who is alive and has a baby, the petitioner stated in his petition.
The negligence by the police in investigating the case led to illegal arrest and custodial torture of Lili’s husband and her brother. This is a serious violation of basic human rights of the victims,
including Lili, her baby, her husband and her brother, Tripathy alleged.
He requested the NHRC to investigate the case by a team of experts and direct the state to ensure a `5 lakh compensation each to the victims (Lili Naik, her husband and brother). It should also direct the state police to refrain from such practices, Tripathy said.
Acting on the petition, the NHRC issued notices to Chief Secretary, Director General of Police and SP of Mayurbhanj, seeking their reply within two weeks.
