BALASORE:The District Magistrate and Collector of Bhadrak LN Mishra has sought apology from the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) for the alleged negligence of the administration in submitting reports as sought by the Commission regarding starvation death of three members of a family.
As per reports, Sridhar Mishra (35) of Jagannathprasad village of Bhandaripokhari block in Bhadrak district had allegedly died of starvation on February 21, 2013. Human rights activist Radhakanta Tripathy filed a petition in NHRC seeking food and medical security to his old parents. Acting on the petition, the NHRC sought a report from the Collector.
The district administration submitted an action taken report in May 2013 stating that the youth had died of diabetes and other diseases and his family was provided a house under Indira Awas Yojana in 2007-08 besides other benefits under social security schemes. The house was under construction when the report was filed.
However, Tripathy alleged that no monetary relief was provided to the family. The NHRC again directed the Collector to ensure all possible help to Sridhar’s parents. Meanwhile, Sridhar’s father Rangadhar died in September, 2013 and mother Saraswati in September, 2014. As the Collector did not comply with the Commission’s orders, the latter asked him to appear in person.
In a letter, the Collector said, “I beg unconditional apology for the omission as it was not in my knowledge. I earnestly pray that my personal appearance before the Commission may kindly be dispensed with.”