NHRC Seeks Report on Relief for 16 Homeless Dalits in Boudh

The National Human Rights Commission has sought a report from the State Government on compensation and rehabilitation of dalit victims of violence in Ratakhandi village of Boudh district last year.

The National Human Rights Commission has sought a report from the State Government on compensation and rehabilitation of dalit victims of violence in Ratakhandi village of Boudh district last year.

The Commission’s order has come in response to a complaint filed by human rights activist Akhand drawing attention to the plight of dalits including women and children, who were assaulted and had their houses looted and torched allegedly by upper caste people on September 18, 2012.

At least 16 homeless families have been forced to stay out of the village as they fear more attacks on them. Police have taken no action to arrest the attackers who are still absconding. The victims have not got any compensation or relief after the violence, Akhand submitted.

In response to the earlier notice of the Commission, Boudh SP had submitted its report that said 11 cases were registered at Manamunda police station against the accused persons. In all the cases, chargesheets have been submitted.

The report mentions that houses of Brahma Suna, Pradeshi Suna, Malati Suna and Tilottama Suna were torched and their valuables looted. Other scheduled caste people have fled and not returned despite action of the police.

The Commission, however, observed that the report does not speak of the relief provided to the scheduled caste people as per the provisions of SC/ST (POA) Rules 1995.

It has directed SP and district magistrate, Boudh to send a report within eight weeks on the action that has been taken to provide relief and rehabilitation to the victims.

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