The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued a notice to Amreli collector and state director general of police seeking an action-taken report in connection with the alleged rape of an 18-year-old dalit girl in Amreli village last year.
Family members of the girl, who was allegedly raped by a 29-year-old man from upper caste, have fled their native Vadli village after being allegedly threatened with dire consequences by kin of the accused.
The girl was allegedly kidnapped and raped on December 25. She returned home at around 3am on December 26 and lodged a complaint against two persons Hitesh and Umesh.
After lodging the complaint, the girl’s 22 member-family of farm labourers, including the survivor’s paralytic father, fled the village and have been camping outside the Amreli district collectorate since January 1. They are demanding to be declared as ‘Hijarati’ (compelled to leave native place). A dalit right activist wrote to NHRC about the human rights violation issue and sought action.
“The petitioner has alleged rape of dalit girl, police inaction and threat to dalit people forcing them to leave their village. Let the complaint be transmitted to Amreli district magistrate and director general of police, Gujarat, calling for action-taken report within four weeks. It is requested that action-taken report be sent to commission within four weeks from the date of receipt of this letter,” NHRC’s letter stated.
Rajula police had also lodged a complaint of criminal intimidation against the accused’s relative Raning Jakhda, who was named by the girl’s father for threatening the family.
“After our repeated calls to declare this family Hijarati, Amreli district administration has asked the concerned department to initiate process and we are awaiting the response,” said Navchetan Parmar, the advocate, who is helping the family get justice.
Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/
Updated On: Feb 29, 2016