Cuttack: Taking cognisance of alleged molestation of some women devotees at Srigundicha temple during the Rath Yatra this year, Orissa Human Rights Commission (OHRC) Monday sought a report from the inspector general (IG), Central range.
Acting on a petition filed by rights activist Prabir Kumar Das, the OHRC has directed the police IG to inform it about the action taken in this regard and the status of the probe within four weeks.
It was alleged that a police personnel had molested some female devotees, including a Third Year MBBS student, at the Nata Mandap of Gundicha temple. The incident took place during the Sandhya Darshan of the deities July 2. The victim along with some other female devotees was having darshan when the accused personnel groped them. The medico grabbed the accused by his collar and slapped him.
The medico had informed the matter to Puri superintendent of police (SP), but the latter had allegedly asked her to file a written complaint. The incident came to light after the victim narrated her harrowing experience on the social media.
Kumbharpada police had registered a case in this regard following the direction of DGP KB Singh and launched a probe. However, no action was taken against the accused cop so far, the petitioner said.
The petitioner appealed to the commission to take stringent action against the accused cop for his indecent act in a sacred place. The petitioner further stated that the incident violated the victim’s rights to live with dignity and requested the commission to pay Rs 5 lakh compensation.
Das also appealed to the commission to order an independent probe and direct the state government to take measures against recurrence of such incident.
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