Kendrapara: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has recently sought a report from the District Magistrate of Mayurbhanj whether monetary compensation has been provided under the Victim Compensation Scheme to a differently able minor girl raped on a temple premises at Baripada. It also wanted a proof of payment within six weeks if compensation is provided to the victim.
The NHRC direction came in the wake of a case filed by rights activist Radhakanta Tripathy who, in his petition, alleged that the physically challenged girl was raped by a youth on the temple premises March 31, 2017.
In his plea to the NHRC, he also alleged that there is no safety and security for minor girls at public places even when one is challenged. Psycho-social counselling and compensation as per law has not been provided to the victim nor has she been ensured the benefits of social welfare schemes, the petitioner contended.
He requested the NHRC to investigate the case and direct the DGP and the secretary of the department of social security and empowerment of persons with disabilities to act against the errant officials immediately as per law and provide compensation of Rs 10 lakh to the girl along with her rehabilitation and recommend psycho-social counselling.
Pursuant to the NHRC notice, Mayurbhanj SP, vide his communication dated 10.10.2017 stated that the father of the victim has been running a snacks shop for the last 12 years near the temple in Baripada. The victim also used to help her father in the business.
On the fateful day, the accused, Munu alias Guru Charan Behera, called the victim towards the temple offering her chocolates and the girl went inside the temple with him. The accused had taken advantage of darkness and loneliness and sexually assaulted her.
When the victim started bleeding profusely, Munu took her to a nearby pond called Hemsagar for cleaning to make the evidence disappear and later he again sexually assaulted her. Some people had noticed him at Hemsagar and he was brought to the police station, where he had confessed to his crime.
Since the report is silent about compensation, the NHRC directed the District Magistrate to file a report whether any monetary compensation has been awarded to the victim or her parents under the Victim Compensation Scheme of Government of Odisha along with proof of payment.
