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New Indian Express
23-07-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
NHRC recommends Rs 28 lakh relief, flags rising crimes against women in state during Bhubaneswar camp
BHUBANESWAR: Amid rising cases of sexual harassment and violence against women in Odisha, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) convened a meeting with the state government on different aspects of human rights, emphasising timely submission of action taken report (ATR) and compliance with its recommendations. During its two-day camp sitting in the state capital which concluded on Tuesday, the Commission led by chairperson Justice V Ramasubramanian also recommended `28 lakh as relief to the victims of human rights violations in the state. A total of 144 cases were heard. 'A meeting with the chief secretary, DGP and other senior officers of the state government was conducted on June 21 on various aspects of human rights. Issues including crime against women, crime against children, deaths due to snakebite, trafficking during Covid period, problems due to flood situation in parts of Odisha and human rights violation due to practice of witchcraft were discussed,' the Commission authorities informed. They further appreciated the state functionaries for complying with the directions of the Commission. Speaking to mediapersons, Justice Ramasubramanian said the officers were asked to submit ATRs on various advisories issued by the Commission on issues such as mental health, bonded labour, right to food and safety, etc. 'They were asked to ensure timely submission of reports so that justice is ensured to the victims of human rights violations. It was also emphasised that compliance reports are submitted on priority,' he said. Justice Ramasubramanian further added that they interacted with the representatives of civil society, NGOs and human rights defenders in the state. The NHRC chairperson along with members, Justice Bidyut Ranjan Sarangi and Vijaya Bharathi Sayani heard the cases. The victims, complainants and the authorities were present during the hearing. The cases included custodial deaths, deaths in state-run homes, death of children in hospitals due to fire, death due to drowning, stray dog bite, child trafficking, denial of basic human amenities, crime against women, including rape, crime against children, missing persons, police atrocities, suicidal deaths, non-registration of FIR by police and electrocution, among others. Following the hearing, 38 cases were closed. It was also observed that payment of compensation under the 'Victim Compensation Scheme, to the tune of `1 crore is pending in 25 cases, and appropriate instructions in this regard were issued. The Commission also interacted with the member secretary, Odisha State Legal Services Authority who ensured disposal of the matters after payment of the compensation.
Hindustan Times
22-07-2025
- Hindustan Times
NHRC camp sitting: Odisha's chief secy, DGP 'sensitised' on crime against women, children
Bhubaneswar, The NHRC on Tuesday said Odisha's chief secretary, director general of police and other officials have been "sensitised" on issues pertaining to crime against women and children. NHRC camp sitting: Odisha's chief secy, DGP 'sensitised' on crime against women, children It also asked the state officers to "submit action taken reports" on past advisories issued by the NHRC on various subjects including mental health and bonded labour. The National Human Rights Commission held an open hearing and camp sitting in Bhubaneswar on July 21-22, hearing 144 cases and recommending about ₹28 lakh as relief to victims of human rights violations in Odisha, it said. NHRC Chairperson, Justice V Ramasubramanian, its Members, Justice Bidyut Ranjan Sarangi and Vijaya Bharathi Sayani heard the cases in the presence of NHRC Secretary General, Bharat Lal, Registrar , Joginder Singh, other senior officers, and officers concerned of the state government, and the complainants, the rights panel said in a statement. "The Commission considered various cases including custodial deaths, deaths in state-run homes, death of children in hospitals due to fire, death due to drowning, stray dog bite, child trafficking, denial of basic human amenities, crime against women, including rape, crime against children, missing persons, police atrocities, suicidal deaths, non-registration of FIR by police, electrocution cases, etc.," it said. Appropriate directions were passed in different cases like granting pension, interim relief of ₹15,000, and other social welfare benefits to a tribal woman; expediting police investigation and filing of chargesheets before the court in several cases; and compensation of ₹four lakh each to the next of kin of five workers, who died while working in a hazardous cracker factory, the NHRC said. The Commission also closed 38 cases after hearing the complainants and the officers concerned. Additionally, three cases have been closed after officers submitted the compliance report along with the proof of payment as recommended by the Commission, officials said. The NHRC also observed that payment of compensation under the 'Victim Compensation Scheme', to the tune of ₹one crore, is "pending in 25 cases". The right panel also interacted with the Member Secretary, Odisha State Legal Services, who ensured disposal of the matters after payment of the compensation, the statement said. After the hearing, the Commission held a meeting with the state's chief secretary, director general of police and other senior officers of the Odisha government on various aspects of human rights. The issues discussed included "crime against women and children, deaths due to snake bite, trafficking during COVID-19 period, problems due to flood situation in parts of Odisha, human rights violations due to practice of witchcraft and sorcery, etc." The compliance of the state functionaries with the directions of the Commission was "appreciated". The NHRC also said that the chief secretary, the DGP and other senior officers of the state government were "sensitised" on issues pertaining to crime against women, children, among others; adding, the Commission has "appreciated their efforts". In its statement, the rights panel further said it has asked officers of the state to "submit action taken reports on various advisories issued by the Commission on issues such as mental health, bonded labour, right to food and safety," among other issues. "They were asked to ensure timely submission of reports to the Commission so that justice is ensured to the victims of human rights violations," it added. Later, the Commission also interacted with the representatives of civil society, NGOs and human rights defenders . A two-minute silence was also observed condoling the demise of Odisha's human rights activist and advocate, Radhakanta Tripathy, besides issuing a condolence message acknowledging his "unwavering commitment" to justice, dignity and equality, uplifting countless lives across the state. The HRDs highlighted various issues like human rights education, police reforms, problems of the transgender community related to access to education and identity document issues. NGOs and HRDs welcomed the initiative of the NHRC to reach out to them and exchange views to further strengthen human rights in the country. Justice Ramasubramanian said the continued partnership of the NGOs and HRDs with the Commission will "go a long way in strengthening human rights in the country". This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
Time of India
30-04-2025
- Time of India
Rickshaw driver who threw acid on woman gets 10 years in jail
Ahmedabad: A city sessions court on Wednesday sentenced an autorickshaw driver to 10 years' imprisonment for throwing acid on a 39-year-old woman after she spurned his advances. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now According to the prosecution's case, auto driver Sanjay alias Shivabhai Nayak threw acid on the victim in March 2022 after she turned down his demands for physical intimacy. She suffered injuries to her face, neck, chest and hands and was hospitalised. Nayak was arrested and put behind bars for assault, criminal intimidation and . During the trial, assistant public prosecutor Bhavesh Patel examined 20 witnesses and presented 19 documents to establish Nayak's guilt. Additional sessions judge B K Avashia punished the accused with 10 years' imprisonment. The order said, "In our society, the incidents of acid attacks are continuously increasing. When heinous crimes are met with lenient sentences after being proven, the criminal justice system fails to serve its purpose. Acid attacks have become a form of gender-based violence , causing significant psychological trauma and hindering the development of the victims." The court also imposed a fine of Rs 35,000 on the convict. Of this amount, Rs 30,000 will be paid to the victim. However, the court has also directed the authorities to pay compensation to the woman under the Victim Compensation Scheme . The court said, "Whenever the victim sees her face or body in the mirror, she will remember this heinous act committed against her. Each time, she will have to endure the physical and mental torture inflicted by the accused. Such an attack completely deprives the victim of the fundamental right to live a dignified human life."
The Hindu
24-04-2025
- The Hindu
Accused awarded death sentence in Ambalamukku murder case
The Thiruvananthapuram Additional District and Sessions Court VII on Thursday awarded capital punishment to 42-year-old Kanyakumari native Rajendran for the brutal murder of Vineetha, 38, an employee of a plant nursery in Ambalamukku three years ago. Sentencing the convict to be 'hanged by the neck till he is dead,' the court upheld the contention of the prosecution that the case qualified as 'rarest of rare' and that the 'serial killer' posed a continued threat to society with no hope for reformation. The death sentence is subject to confirmation by the Kerala High Court. Fine of ₹4 lakh Judge Prasun Mohan, who had found Rajendran guilty of murder under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), also imposed a fine of ₹4 lakh for the crime. The convict has also been sentenced to undergo rigorous imprisonment for life and fined ₹4 lakh under Section 397 (robbery or dacoity causing death or grievous hurt), seven years and fined ₹10,000 under Section 201 (destruction of evidence), and three months and fined ₹500 under Section 447 (criminal trespass) of the IPC. The default of the fine amounts would lead to additional imprisonment for five years and a month. If the fines are realised, ₹4 lakh each will be provided as compensation to Vineetha's son and daughter, who are residing with their grandparents. The court also recommended that the District Legal Services Authority offer them further assistance under the Victim Compensation Scheme. The murder, committed on February 6, 2022, horrified the residents of Thiruvananthapuram. Rajendran, under the pretence of purchasing plant pots, entered the nursery where Vineetha was working and fatally stabbed her inside the nursery shed. He then stole her gold chain weighing 4.5 sovereigns and fled, covering her body with sand and plastic sheets. Forensic evidence A calculated escape followed, involving multiple changes of vehicles and clothes. The breakthrough came from forensic evidence, including blood traces matching Rajendran's DNA on the crime scene and the murder weapon recovered from the tea stall where he worked. In the absence of eyewitnesses, the prosecution relied on circumstantial evidence and utilised scientific analysis, CCTV footage and witness testimonies in proving the case. Accused in triple homicide According to the prosecution, led by Special Public Prosecutor M. Salahudeen, the murder was not Rajendran's first crime. He is also the prime accused in a triple homicide case in Tamil Nadu in 2014. Three of his neighbours — Customs officer Subbaiah, his wife Vasanthy, and their 13-year-old daughter Abhisree — were murdered at Aralvaimozhi, Kanyakumari. These murders bore a striking resemblance to Vineetha's case, and these too were allegedly committed for gold and financial gain. For stock trading Investigations revealed that Rajendran, with postgraduate degrees in History and Economics, turned to crime to fund his investments in online stock trading. He had worked as a teacher at a private school before embarking on the killing spree. The prosecution examined 96 witnesses, and presented 222 exhibits and 68 material objects. The court praised the relentless efforts of the investigative team, supervised by former District Police Chief (Thiruvananthapuram City) G. Sparjan Kumar; the then Assistant Commissioner, Cantonment, V.S. Dinaraj; and Peroorkada Inspector V. Sajikumar.
